Bill Fairbairn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bill Fairbairn |
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| Born | January 7, 1947 Brandon, Manitoba, Canada |
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| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) | ||
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb) | ||
| Position | Right Wing | ||
| Shot | Right | ||
| Played for | New York Rangers Minnesota North Stars St. Louis Blues |
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| Playing career | 1967–1979 | ||
William John "Bulldog" Fairbairn was born on January 7, 1947. He is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played as a right wing for 10 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Fairbairn spent most of his career with the New York Rangers. He also played for the Minnesota North Stars and St. Louis Blues. He retired early in the 1978-79 NHL season, having scored 162 goals in his career.
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Bill Fairbairn's Hockey Journey
Bill Fairbairn started his hockey career with his hometown team, the Brandon Wheat Kings. They were part of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL). He earned the nickname "Bulldog" because he played with a lot of energy and never gave up.
In the 1963–64 MJHL season, he played in 4 games. He also played in 2 playoff games for the 1964 Memorial Cup. Over the next three seasons in Brandon, Fairbairn scored an amazing 315 points.
Becoming an All-Star Player
In the 1966-67 MJHL season, Fairbairn scored 142 points, including 60 goals. He played alongside teammates Juha Widing and Erv Zeimer. His excellent play earned him all-star honors that season.
The New York Rangers signed Fairbairn in 1964. In 1967, he played 3 games with the Omaha Knights. This team was connected to the Rangers and played in the Central Professional Hockey League (CHL).
That spring, Fairbairn joined the Port Arthur Marrs for the 1967 Memorial Cup. He then played two more seasons with the Omaha Knights. In the 1968-69 CHL season, he was named a Second Team all-star.
Joining the New York Rangers
Fairbairn joined the Rangers as a rookie in the 1969-70 NHL season. He scored 23 goals that year. He finished second in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy, which is given to the best rookie.
He took the place of an injured player, Bob Nevin. Fairbairn joined a line with left wing Dave Balon and center Walt Tkaczuk. This group became known as the "Bulldog Line."
That season, the "Bulldog Line" scored a combined 203 points. They even outscored the Rangers' famous "GAG Line". After a very successful November, the Rangers' general manager, Emile Francis, decided to keep the line together.
Fairbairn's Time with the Rangers
Bill Fairbairn played 8 seasons in New York. His linemate Balon was traded in the 1971-72 NHL season. The "Bulldog Line" name returned the next season when rookie Steve Vickers joined the team.
Playing with Tkaczuk and Vickers, Fairbairn had his best year. He scored a career-high 30 goals. He also led the Rangers in scoring during the playoffs that season.
Fairbairn was a consistent winger for the Rangers. In November 1976, he was traded to Minnesota with Nick Beverley. In return, the Rangers received Bill Goldsworthy. Fairbairn spent his last three seasons playing for the Minnesota North Stars and the St. Louis Blues. He retired in November 1979.
What Teammates Said About Bill
Former Rangers goalie Gilles Villemure remembered Bill Fairbairn as a hard-working player. He was a strong defensive forward who was very good at killing penalties.
Rangers legend Rod Gilbert praised Fairbairn and his teammate Walt Tkaczuk. He said, "In Tkaczuk and Fairbairn we have the best penalty-killers in hockey."
Career Highlights and Awards
Bill Fairbairn received several honors during his hockey career:
- He was named to the MJHL Second All-Star Team in 1967.
- He was also named to the CHL Second All-Star Team in 1969.
- In 2007, he was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.
- He is an "Honoured Member" of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.
