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Bob Pulford, a Hockey Hall of Fame player who had a long career in the NHL as a coach and general manager, has died. He was 89.
A spokesman for the NHL Alumni Association said Monday that the organization learned of Pulford's death from his family. No other details were provided.
A tough, reliable forward, Pulford helped the Toronto Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup four times during his 14 years with the team from 1956 to 1970. The Newton Robinson, Ont., native was a member of the 1967 team that remains the last in the organization to win a championship.
He was selected to five All-Star games and led the league in shorthanded goals three times. With 694 points in 1,168 regular season and playoff games, Pulford was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.
Off the ice, Pulford served as the first president of the players' union, participating in the first collective bargaining agreements and laying the foundation for the modern NHLPA.
Pulford spent his last two playing seasons with the Los Angeles Kings in the early 1970s and then coached them for the next five years. He then led Chicago's front office as general manager or senior vice president of hockey operations for three decades, from 1977 to 2007, and came to the bench as a coach four times during that time.
“Whether it was a coach, a general manager, an executive or even more than one person at a time, Bob was not afraid to take on whatever role was most needed at the time and take on the various challenges associated with each that would seem unthinkable by today's standards,” said Chicago chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz, whose grandfather Bill hired Pulford.
“We are grateful for his leadership and dedication to the sport, which will forever be part of our club’s history.”
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Pulford “left an indelible mark on the game,” especially given the various roles he filled.
“Bob became a friend, advisor and confidant to me, especially during my early years as commissioner, and I had the utmost respect for him and all he gave to the game,” Bettman said.
The NHL Alumni Association, in a tribute to Pulford, called him “one of the most respected figures in hockey history.”
“Rest in peace, Bob,” the NHLAA said. “Your impact on hockey and on everyone who had the privilege of knowing you will never be forgotten.”
