Cecil Hart

Cecil Hart (November 28, 1883 in Bedford, Quebec - Died July, 1940) was a head coach of the Montreal Canadiens.

Cecil helped lead the team to three Stanley Cups in 1924, 1930, and 1931. He was fired after a dispute with Canadiens owner Leo Dandurand after leading the Canadiens to first place in the 1931–32 season, but after Dandurand and Joseph Cattarinich sold the Canadiens to Ernest Savard and Maurice Forget of the Canadian Arena Company, the Canadiens hit bottom in 1935–36.

To rebuild the team, they rehired Hart in 1936–37, but Hart would only come back if Howie Morenz did. A deal was arranged and with Morenz back, and despite the death of Morenz during the season, Hart managed to lead the Canadiens to first place.

After that, the team eroded as age caught up with some key players.

When the Canadiens were reclining near the cellar in 1938–39, Cecil resigned as coach and manager.

Cecil died after a lengthy illness in July of 1940.

Cecil's father, David Hart, donated the Hart Memorial Trophy in 1923.