Glen Sather (born September 2, 1943) is a Canadian ice hockey executive, coach and former player. Widely known by the nickname Slats, he built one of the NHL's great modern dynasties as coach and general manager of the Edmonton Oilers and later served in senior management with the New York Rangers. He remains active in team governance as an advisor and alternate governor in the National Hockey League.
Playing career
Sather began his career as a professional player in the 1960s, playing as a forward at the senior and pro levels. He spent time in both major and minor leagues before turning to coaching and management. His playing career is often seen as the foundation that shaped his later coaching philosophy and his eye for talent.
Coach, general manager and architect
Sather rose to prominence as the leader of the Edmonton organization during the franchise's transition from the World Hockey Association to the NHL. As coach and general manager, he assembled a roster that included future Hall of Famers and star players and guided the club through a period of sustained success. Under his direction the team captured multiple Stanley Cup championships in the 1980s and 1990, establishing a high-scoring, fast-paced identity that influenced the wider game.
Roles and later career
After his tenure in Edmonton, Sather moved into executive roles with other NHL clubs. In 2000 he joined the front office of the New York Rangers, serving in senior executive positions including president until 2019. He continues to advise the organization and represents it as an alternate governor at league meetings. His career spans player, coach, general manager and team executive responsibilities.
Legacy and recognition
Sather is recognized for his talent evaluation, willingness to promote young players, and an offensive-minded system that produced prolific scorers. Many of the players he brought together became household names and Hall of Famers. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, he has been honored by the hockey community for leadership and long-term impact on team building and on-ice strategy.
- Notable contributions: building a dynasty, developing young talent, shaping an attacking style.
- Common roles held: player, head coach, general manager, team president, advisor.
- Further reading: historical accounts of the Edmonton Oilers and organizational histories of the New York Rangers and the NHL.
Sather's career is often cited in discussions of effective leadership in professional hockey and the long-term construction of championship teams. His influence persists through the players he developed and the executives and coaches who followed his model.