Tom Webster (ice hockey) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tom Webster |
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Webster in 1969
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| Born | October 4, 1948 Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada |
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| Died | April 10, 2020 (aged 71) Toronto, Ontario, 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 | Boston Bruins Detroit Red Wings California Golden Seals New England Whalers (WHA) |
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| National team | .svg){kind=small} Canada |
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| NHL Draft | 19th overall, 1966 Boston Bruins |
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| Playing career | 1968–1980 | ||
Thomas Ronald "Hawkeye" Webster (October 4, 1948 – April 10, 2020) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player and coach. He played for teams like the Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings in the National Hockey League (NHL). Later, he became a well-known coach for several hockey teams.
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Playing Hockey: Tom Webster's Career
Tom Webster was first chosen by the Boston Bruins in the 1966 NHL Entry Draft. He played in 102 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Bruins and the Detroit Red Wings. In the 1970-71 season, Webster scored 30 goals for the Red Wings.
He also played 352 games for the New England Whalers in the World Hockey Association (WHA). During his time in the WHA, he scored 40 or more goals in three different seasons. A back surgery made it hard for him to continue playing. Webster stopped playing hockey in 1981 when he was 31 years old.
Coaching Hockey: Leading Teams to Victory
After he stopped playing, Tom Webster became an ice hockey coach. He coached many teams at different levels of the sport.
Coaching the New York Rangers
His first main coaching job was in 1986 with the New York Rangers. After coaching only five games, Webster became sick with an inner-ear infection. This made it impossible for him to fly. He returned to coach home games, while other coaches handled away games. He later had to step down from the role completely.
Coaching the Los Angeles Kings
Webster then became the head coach for the Los Angeles Kings from 1989 to 1992. He helped the Kings win their first-ever division title in the 1990-91 season. This was a big achievement for the team.
During a game in 1991, Webster became upset with a referee's call. He threw a stick onto the ice, which hit the referee's skate. Because of this, Webster was suspended for 12 games.
After his coaching days, Webster also worked as a scout for the Calgary Flames. He helped find new talent for the team from 2003 to 2014.
Achievements and Recognition
In 2012, Tom Webster was honored for his contributions to hockey. He was inducted into the World Hockey Association Hall of Fame. This recognized his great playing career in the WHA.
Tom Webster's Passing
Tom Webster passed away on April 10, 2020, at the age of 71. He had been battling brain cancer.
Images for kids
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Webster in 1969
