geoffrion first retired in 1964 and became head coach of les as de québec of the american hockey league (ahl), but returned two seasons later to play for the new york rangers. likely the reason for his first retirement was béliveau (who was not one of three alternate captains), getting appointed team captain in 1961. this was following the rocket's retirement in 1960 and doug harvey's trade to the rangers in 1961 (he only lasted a year with the c). geoffrion, who "had" had an a, was devastated by the decision to go with béliveau.