Longtime Massachusetts coach Jack Canniff, who led the school to its only conference championship, died last Saturday after a long battle with several health issues, the school announced.
Canniff, who led UMass from 1967 to 1979, guided the team then known as the Redmen to the 1972 ECAC Division II title.
He was UMass’ all-time leader in career victories with 120 until current coach Don “Toot” Cahoon passed him last season.
Canniff was named the ECAC coach of the year in 1972, when the team went 19-7 and beat Buffalo 8-1 for the conference title.
An Arlington, Mass., native and 1954 Boston College graduate, Canniff produced three All-Americans, all from the 1972 team — P.J. Flaherty, Pat Keenan and Brian Sullivan.
As per Canniff’s wishes, there will not be a wake and a funeral. He will be cremated and his ashes spread at sea.
