Don Perry

Don Perry (March 16, 1930 – April 15, 2019) was a Canadian ice hockey defenceman and coach. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Perry began his playing career with Edmonton area junior league teams. He broke into professional hockey in 1950 with the Boston Olympics and later became a player-coach for the New Haven Blades of the Eastern Hockey League. Perry's teams were skilled and won the only professional sports championship in New Haven in 1956. Known for their physical play, Perry's teams often engaged in fisticuffs. After retiring from playing in 1969, Perry continued to coach the Blades until 1972 and later coached the Saginaw Gears of the International Hockey League, winning two Turner Cups. Perry's coaching career also included a stint with the New Haven Nighthawks of the American Hockey League.