OVER the past 40-plus years, Norm Maciver has carved out a stellar path, both on and off the ice, that has made him one of the premier individuals from the Lakehead that has ever been involved in the game.
Currently the associate general manager of the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks, the 58-year-old Thunder Bay product is relishing his off-ice role with the club that has featured him being part of a trio of Stanley Cup triumphs.
Having briefly left the organization back in 2021, Maciver had been recruited by Seattle Kraken general manager Ron Francis to be the first-ever director of player personnel for the expansion franchise.
However, once Kyle Davidson was appointed the Blackhawks’ GM, one of his first moves was to re-acquire the services of the former NHL defenceman, along with a promotion, to return to Chicago’s front office, just over a year later.
The opportunity to head back to the Windy City was not something Maciver had anticipated so early in his tenure with Seattle.
“The return to the Blackhawks for me personally, was certainly unexpected, but it has been very enjoyable so far,” said the long-time member of the NHL fraternity.
Albeit brief, he gained valuable experience and relished his period with the Kraken, while working alongside Francis.
“I certainly enjoyed my time in Seattle, even though it was short, because going through the expansion draft process and starting a team from scratch was a great experience. I have to thank Ron Francis for giving me that opportunity in Seattle.”
Now with an ever-increased role back in Chicago, Maciver deals with multiple tasks as part of the team’s management group.
When queried as to what some of his duties with the Hawks are, he provided: “Some of my responsibilities as associate GM mostly lie with both the amateur and pro scouting staffs.”
He went on to supply further information on his day-to-day obligations: “The NHL Draft, and our roster construction, both with the Blackhawks and our American Hockey League affiliate team, the Rockford IceHogs, are areas I’m very involved with.”
Savouring his involvement in the NHL, Maciver relishes working with the staff in Chicago.
“I think what I enjoy most about my role are the people I work with. We have a very good staff and I feel we work well together.”
Throughout his lengthy stint in the game, the former NCAA All-American defenceman at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, which eventually led to 501 NHL contests on the point, before advancing into various coaching roles, then morphing into player advancement, and eventually into management.
He has witnessed many changes in his days within the game.
“The development model has changed a lot over the years. I don’t remember working with, or ever seeing anyone involved with player development, when I played. Back then, you either got advice, or criticism, from your coach on things you needed to work on. That, or you were on your own to figure it out.”
The progression in this area has certain advanced in a relatively short time.
“When I was doing player development with the Hawks from 2008, until 2011, it was just me,” Maciver stated. “Now our development staff has three people working with our prospects on tactical areas, as well as with strength coaches and nutritionists. It is an area that has changed a lot.”
Much has transpired for him over the past four decades since his skill-set as a crafty puck-moving blueliner playing locally in the unique Thunder Bay Hockey League.
There his Burger King Kings junior side won the TBHL title in 1982 against experienced competition versus the likes of the Thunder Bay Twins (Senior), Bay Beverage Blazers (Intermediate) and the Lakehead University Nor’Westers (CIAU) that ultimately sent him on his way to even greater success.
Asked to reflect on some his hockey accomplishments, Maciver had this to say: “As a player, I guess I could give the standard answer of first game, or first goal.”
That initial NHL outing came with the New York Rangers back on October 9, 1986, where he recorded his first point against the New Jersey Devils.
His first league tally then came December 29, 1987 in a Rangers’ match-up with the rival New York Islanders.
Looking back even further, Maciver went on to provide the following in terms of career highlights: “Since it’s been so long since my last game (25 years), I’ve had time to look back. In doing so, I think the biggest highlights for me were dealing with the challenges. Being undrafted and undersized for my position, it was a challenge to make the NHL. Then, the challenge to become a regular in the line-up and finally the challenge to play as long as possible.”
He then added: “When I was living that, I didn’t view it as such. Then, it was just something I never doubted would happen. Maybe because I have now worked in the league for so long since retiring, that I finally appreciate what it was.”
Being part of a trio of championship teams in management is not lost on him, in terms of success in the game.
“As an executive, the three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks remain special as well.”
A hockey-lifer, with a 13-year professional career as a player, and well over double that mark, in development and management, Maciver is one of the longest-tenured individuals who has made his mark in the game.
Maciver’s lengthy involvement in the game has clearly etched his name on the scroll of distinguished local hockey icons.