Bill Hay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bill Hay |
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| Hockey Hall of Fame, 2015 (Builder) | |||
Hay with the Chicago Black Hawks in the 1960s
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| Born | December 9, 1935 Lumsden, Saskatchewan, Canada |
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| Died | October 25, 2024 (aged 88) Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
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| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) | ||
| Weight | 190 lb (86 kg; 13 st 8 lb) | ||
| Position | Centre | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Chicago Black Hawks | ||
| Playing career | 1960–1967 | ||
William Charles Hay (born December 9, 1935 – died October 25, 2024) was a Canadian ice hockey player. He was a talented centre who played for eight seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). All his NHL games were with the Chicago Black Hawks. After his playing career, he became a leader in hockey, even serving as the CEO of the Calgary Flames. Bill Hay was honored for his contributions to hockey by being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015. He also received the Order of Hockey in Canada in 2021.
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Playing Career: From Juniors to the NHL
Bill Hay started his hockey journey in junior leagues. He played for the Regina Pats in the Western Canadian Junior Hockey League. In 1955, his team, the Pats, made it to the Memorial Cup finals. This is a big championship for junior hockey teams in Canada.
After junior hockey, Hay went to college in the United States. He played for the Colorado College Tigers. He was a star player there, earning many awards for being one of the best college hockey players.
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In 1958, Bill Hay began his professional career with the Calgary Stampeders. He quickly showed his skill, scoring many points. The next year, in 1959–60, he joined the Chicago Black Hawks in the NHL.
His first year in the NHL was amazing! Bill Hay scored 55 points and won the Calder Memorial Trophy. This award goes to the best rookie (first-year player) in the NHL. He was also chosen to play in the 1960 NHL All-Star Game.
In 1960–61, Hay and the Black Hawks had a fantastic season. He played on a famous line with two other great players, Bobby Hull and Murray Balfour. This trio helped the Black Hawks win the Stanley Cup, which is the biggest prize in hockey. It was their first Stanley Cup win since 1937–38. Bill Hay played six more seasons, all with the Black Hawks, before he retired from playing.
Hockey Executive Career: Leading the Game
After retiring as a player, Bill Hay continued to be a very important person in hockey. In 1991, he became the President and CEO of the Calgary Flames. This meant he was in charge of running the entire team. He held these important jobs for many years.
Later, Bill Hay was named the Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ontario. The Hockey Hall of Fame is where the greatest hockey players and builders are honored. As Chairman, he helped guide this important institution.
Personal Life and Passing
Bill Hay came from a hockey family. His father, Charles Hay, was also a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. His uncle, Earl Miller, also played ice hockey.
Bill Hay passed away in Calgary on October 25, 2024, at the age of 88.
Awards and Honours: A Legacy of Excellence
Bill Hay received many awards and honors throughout his career, showing his impact on the sport:
- Selected to the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team in 1957.
- Won the Calder Memorial Trophy in 1960 as the NHL's best rookie.
- Played in the 1960 and 1961 NHL All-Star Games.
- Was a Stanley Cup champion in 1961 with the Chicago Black Hawks.
- Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Builder Category in 2015. This honor recognizes people who have made a great impact on hockey off the ice, like coaches, managers, or executives.
- On February 26, 2021, Hockey Canada named Bill Hay to the Order of Hockey in Canada. This award recognizes his long career and important contributions to hockey in Canada.
See also
In Spanish: Bill Hay para niños
