The Reverend Pat Quinn?

Can you imagine Pat Quinn as a priest? Not with that famous Irish temper!

But apparently this was once a serious consideration of the famous NHL player turned coach. This according to the new book St. Michael's College: 100 Years of Pucks and Prayers.

Quinn tells the book's authors Kevin Shea, Larry Colle and Paul Patskou that he felt the calling of God after graduating grade 8. He visited a seminary in Niagara Falls to get a better idea of what all was involved. The young Quinn was not ready for the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, but most of all he was not going to give up athletics.

Quinn's local minister arranged for Quinn to go the St. Michael's College in Toronto. It is an all boys, Roman Catholic private high school with a great sports program, most notably in hockey. Famous alumni include Ted Lindsay, Frank Mahovlich, Dave Keon, Red Kelly, Gerry Cheevers, Joe Primeau, and Tim Horton. In more modern times Eric Lindros, Kevin Dineen and Andrew Cogliano have gone to that school.

Quinn immediately became a football star at St. Mikes, but he was never able to play for the Majors hockey team. Quinn was already on the amateur protection list of the Detroit Red Wings, while St. Michael's was affiliated with the Toronto Maple Leafs. In the old days junior teams were often sponsored directly by the NHL teams.

Quinn's desire to play hockey meant he had to leave the school, returning home to Hamilton.

This is just one of many great stories inside the new book from HB Fenn: St. Michael's College: 100 Years of Pucks and Prayers. You can read my full review at HockeyBookReviews.com.