Shot Left Height 1.83 m Position Defenseman Role Ice hockey player Career end 1966 | Name Bill Gadsby Career start 1946 Playing career Weight 86 kg | |
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Born August 8, 1927 (age 96)
Calgary, AB, CAN ( 1927-08-08 ) Played for Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings | ||
Gordie Howe tribute and memories of Bill Gadsby
William Alexander "Bill" Gadsby (August 8, 1927 – March 10, 2016) was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who played for the Chicago Black Hawks, New York Rangers, and Detroit Red Wings in the National Hockey League.
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Playing career
Bill Gadsby began his outstanding hockey career in Calgary playing for several minor league teams including the Alberta Midget champions in 1942. He played two years for the Edmonton Junior Canadians before joining the Chicago Black Hawks in 1946. He was captain twice during his eight years with them. "Bill" Gadsby contracted polio in 1952 but fought back without interrupting his hockey career.
Gadsby was a First Team All-Star three times and a Second Team All-Star four times. In 1958–59, he set a record for assists by a defenceman, with 46.
Despite a long (20 season) NHL hockey career, Gadsby never won the Stanley Cup. He came closest to winning the Cup in 1964, when the Detroit Red Wings lost a 7-game final series to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
When he retired he was the leading career scorer among defensemen with 568 points.
Bill Gadsby was inducted to the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in 1986 as a Hockey Athlete. http://ashfm.ca/component/k2/gadsby-william
Gadsby was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1970. In 1998, he was ranked number 99 on The Hockey News' list of the 100 Greatest Hockey Players. He was ranked No. 63 on the all-time list of New York Rangers in the book 100 Ranger Greats (John Wiley & Sons, 2009).
Retirement and death
Gadsby was an "Honored Member" of the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association, and was active in its efforts to raise money for children's charities in Metro Detroit.
He died at the age of 88 on March 10, 2016 in Farmington Hills, Michigan following a period of failing health.