Bob Pulford, a Hall of Fame left winger who dedicated his entire life to hockey, has died. He was 89.
His death was announced by the NHL Alumni Association, which praised him as a man who “left an indelible mark on the game at all levels.”
As a player, Pulford starred in Toronto Maple Leafs and later Los Angeles Kingswinning four Stanley Cups with Toronto in the 1960s. He played in 1,079 career games, scoring 643 points and another 51 points in 89 playoff games.
In 1967, the same year he won his last Cup with the Maple Leafs, Pulford was elected the first player-president of the NHLPA, a position he held until he retired from playing in 1972. His efforts at that time helped to officially recognize the NHLPA as the NHL and its owners.
After his playing career, Pulford moved into coaching, first with the Kings and then with the Kings. Chicago Blackhawkswhere he also served as general manager when he was hired in 1977. He remained with the Blackhawks in various positions until 2005.
Pulford won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's top coach in 1975 while on the Kings' bench. His coaching career included three division titles and a 363-330-136 record over 12 seasons.
Pulford was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a player in 1991.
