Bob Pulford, a distinguished Hockey Hall of Fame athlete who later had a notable career in the NHL as both a coach and general manager, has passed away at the age of 89. The NHL Alumni Association was informed of Pulford’s death by his family on Monday, with no further details disclosed.
Known for his tenacity and reliability on the ice, Pulford played a key role in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ four Stanley Cup victories during his 14-year tenure with the team from 1956 to 1970. Hailing from Newton Robinson, Ontario, he was a member of the 1967 championship-winning squad, the last to claim the title for the organization. Pulford was selected for five all-star games and led the league in short-handed goals on three occasions. His impressive career statistics, totaling 694 points in 1,168 regular-season and playoff games, earned him induction into the Hall of Fame in 1991.
Off the rink, Pulford made history as the inaugural president of the players union, playing a pivotal role in early collective bargaining efforts that laid the groundwork for the current NHLPA structure. Following his playing days, he transitioned to coaching with the Los Angeles Kings for two seasons in the early 1970s, later serving as their head coach for five years. Subsequently, Pulford held significant positions within the Chicago Blackhawks organization for three decades, from 1977 to 2007, alternating between general manager and senior vice-president of hockey operations while also assuming coaching duties on four occasions.
Chicago chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz, whose grandfather Bill worked closely with Pulford, praised his versatility and willingness to take on diverse roles within the hockey realm. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged Pulford’s far-reaching impact on the sport, emphasizing his mentorship and contributions to the game, particularly during Bettman’s early tenure as commissioner.
In a tribute to Pulford, the NHL Alumni Association hailed him as a highly esteemed figure in hockey history, underscoring his enduring influence on the sport and all those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him. Bob Pulford’s legacy and contributions to hockey will always be remembered and cherished within the hockey community.