Bill Kitchen (ice hockey) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bill Kitchen |
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| Born | October 2, 1960 Schomberg, Ontario, Canada |
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| Died | July 30, 2012 (aged 51) Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
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| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | ||
| Weight | 200 lb (91 kg; 14 st 4 lb) | ||
| Position | Defence | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Montreal Canadiens Toronto Maple Leafs |
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| NHL Draft | Undrafted | ||
| Playing career | 1980–1986 | ||
William Percy Kitchen (born October 2, 1960 – died July 30, 2012) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played as a defence player. Bill Kitchen played 41 games in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs between 1982 and 1985. He was born in Schomberg, Ontario, Canada. Bill was also the younger brother of another hockey player, Mike Kitchen.
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William "Bill" Kitchen: A Hockey Journey
Bill Kitchen was a talented ice hockey player from Canada. He spent several years playing in top leagues. He was known for his strong defensive play. His career showed how hard work can lead to playing in the NHL.
Early Life and Junior Hockey
Bill Kitchen started his hockey journey in junior leagues. He played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). From 1976 to 1980, he played for the Windsor Spitfires and the Ottawa 67's. These teams helped him develop his skills.
He also represented his country on the ice. Bill played for the Canadian national junior team. This was at the 1980 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. During this tournament, he recorded one assist in five games.
Playing in the NHL
After his junior career, Bill Kitchen was not chosen in the NHL draft. This means no team picked him right away. However, he still got a chance to play professionally. He signed with the Montreal Canadiens.
Bill spent most of his time playing for the Nova Scotia Voyageurs. This team was in the AHL. The AHL is a league just below the NHL. He played only 12 NHL games for the Canadiens from 1981 to 1984.
In August 1984, Bill wanted more NHL action. He signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent. This means he could choose which team to join. He had his best NHL season in 1984–85 with the Maple Leafs. He played 29 games and scored his only NHL goal that season.
The next season, he returned to the minor leagues. He played for the St. Catharines Saints in the AHL. Bill Kitchen retired from professional hockey after the 1985–86 season. In total, he played 41 NHL games, scoring 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points. He also had 40 penalty minutes.
Life After Hockey
After retiring from hockey, Bill Kitchen became a successful businessman. He owned several Tim Hortons restaurants in Ottawa, Ontario. Tim Hortons is a very popular coffee and donut chain in Canada.
Bill was also very involved in his community. He supported many local charities. He was also a member of the NHL alumni group. This group includes former NHL players. Bill Kitchen had one son and three daughters.
Bill Kitchen passed away in Ottawa, Ontario, on July 30, 2012. He suffered a heart attack.
