Left-winger George McPhee was a solid role player for parts of seven seasons in the 1980s. His greatest success in hockey came as an amateur and an NHL executive following his playing career.
Born in Guelph, Ontario, McPhee played Junior B with the Guelph Platers in 1977-78 before spending four years at Bowling Green University. In 1978-79, he was named the CCHA's top rookie after notching 40 goals in 43 games. He was also named to the conference's first all-star team once and second all-star unit on two occasions. McPhee's outstanding amateur career was capped off when he was named the winner of the Hobey Baker Award as the top U.S. collegiate player. After graduating with a business degree in 1982, the young forward signed as a free agent with the New York Rangers. He left Bowling Green as the CCHA's all-time leading scorer and was the first player to make the conferences all academic team three straight years.
"Fenster" was a hard working role player in New York and enjoyed his best season in 1984-85 when he played on an efficient line with Bob Brooke and Robbie Ftorek. He later joined the New Jersey Devils, but his playing time was curtailed by a serious back injury. McPhee was forced to retire in 1989. On June 9, 1997, he became the fifth general manager in Washington Capitals history and led the team to its first Stanley Cup finals appearance a few months later. Under his guidance, the team was one of the most exciting in the NHL and added superstar Jaromir Jagr prior to the 2001-02 season.
