Jimmy Skinner  James Donald "Jimmy" Skinner (January 12, 1917 – July 11, 2007) was the head coach, chief scout and farm director, director of player personnel, director of hockey operations, assistant general manager, and general manager for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League. He is credited with starting the tradition of kissing the Stanley Cup. Born in Selkirk, Manitoba, Skinner won the 1955 Stanley Cup as coach as well as the Prince of Wales Trophy twice (54/55 and 56/57) (regular season champions) before an illness forced him to give up his coaching duties. He continued in a series of other managerial duties with the Red Wings, finally retiring as general manager in 1983. He had an overall NHL coaching record of 123–78–46, and coached three National Hockey League All-Star Games from 1954 to 1958. Prior to joining the Red Wings, he played for the Selkirk Fishermen, Winnipeg Rangers and the Winnipeg Falcons in his teens. He was offered a contract with New York Rangers but declined the offer and played for the Flin Flon Bombers instead. Skinner was a defenseman and part-time forward and as a member of the bomber squad won the Sask. Senior Hockey League Championship in 1937/38. He also was playing assistant coach/captain of the Omaha Knights& guided the team to a championship. In one game he scored a 45-foot goal after 11 minutes and 19 seconds of an overtime period for a 4–3 victory over the opposing Tulsa Oilers (USHL) in semi-final playoffs. This tied the two teams to 3 games apiece. As a star defenseman his greatest asset on ice was his body checking ability while maintaining his speed. He was often noted for making a drive singlehandedly down the ice, crossing the blue line and then either hurriedly passing the puck or rifling it at an incredible speed then dashing back to his defense zone. He was interesting to watch as he performed his duties as a player and arbitrator. Skinner played with the Indianapolis Capitals (playing captain) alongside his brother, Morden Huron Lake "Ducky" Skinner in 1943. Skinner amassed a multitude of injuries at the end of his playing career, and these would follow him for the rest of his life. It was at that time Jack Adams, who had been following his progress, offered him a chance to coach the Windsor Spitfires 1947–53. He had one brief departure in 1951–52 campaign when the Spitfires left Windsor for Hamilton in 1953.