Bill LeCaine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bill LeCaine |
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| Born | March 11, 1938 Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada |
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| Died | April 16, 2019 (aged 81) | ||
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) | ||
| Weight | 172 lb (78 kg; 12 st 4 lb) | ||
| Position | Left Wing | ||
| Shot | Right | ||
| Played for | Pittsburgh Penguins | ||
| NHL Draft | Undrafted | ||
| Playing career | 1956–1975 | ||
William Joseph LeCaine (born March 11, 1938 – died April 16, 2019) was a talented ice hockey player from Canada. He was a left winger and was part of the First Nations community, born on a reservation in Saskatchewan. Bill LeCaine played a few games for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League (NHL), which is the top professional hockey league.
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Who Was Bill LeCaine?
Bill LeCaine was known for his exciting play and scoring abilities. Even though he only played a short time in the NHL, he had a long and successful career in other professional hockey leagues. He was a strong player who loved the game.
Early Life and Junior Hockey
Bill LeCaine grew up in Saskatchewan, Canada. He started playing hockey at a young age, like many Canadian kids. He played for the Regina Pats in junior hockey leagues. This is where young players develop their skills before becoming professionals. He played for the Pats from 1955 to 1958, showing off his talent.
Playing for the Regina Pats
During his time with the Regina Pats, Bill scored many goals and helped his team. In the 1956-57 season, he scored 20 goals and had 22 assists, which means he helped set up 22 other goals. This showed he was a valuable player who could both score and pass the puck.
Professional Hockey Career
After junior hockey, Bill LeCaine played for many different teams in various leagues. He spent a lot of his career in the International Hockey League (IHL) and the Western Hockey League (WHL). These were strong professional leagues just below the NHL.
Time with the Port Huron Flags
Bill LeCaine played most of his professional career with the Port Huron Flags in the IHL. He was a star player for them for many years. He was known for his scoring and for being a tough player.
In the 1964-65 season, he had an amazing year, scoring 42 goals and getting 59 assists. This added up to 101 points in one season! The next year, 1965-66, was even better, with 41 goals and 75 assists for a total of 116 points. These were incredible numbers for a hockey player.
Playing in the National Hockey League
In the 1968-69 season, Bill LeCaine got the chance to play in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He played in 4 games for the team. Playing in the NHL is a huge achievement for any hockey player, as it means you are among the best in the world.
What Happened After Hockey?
Bill LeCaine retired from professional hockey in 1975. He had a long career that lasted almost 20 years. He passed away on April 16, 2019, at the age of 81. He will always be remembered as a dedicated hockey player who achieved great things in the sport.
