An undrafted free agent signed by the Boston Bruins in 1983, Courtnall was a Bruin until he and Bill Ranford were traded to the Edmonton Oilers for Andy Moog, where he won the Stanley Cup. A mere four months later, he was traded again, this time to the Washington Capitals for Greg C. Adams. Interesting anecdote, both players hailed from the same village, Duncan, B.C., a village of less than 5000 people. Courtnall is the current head coach of the Victoria Grizzlies of the British Columbia Hockey League.