A legend has passed: Bob Pulford, a cornerstone of the Toronto Maple Leafs' dynasty, has died at the age of 89. His name resonates with hockey fans not just for his incredible skill, but also for his multifaceted contributions to the sport.
Born on March 31, 1936, in Newton Robinson, Ontario, Pulford's journey to hockey stardom began with the Toronto Marlboros. He quickly transitioned to the NHL, joining the Maple Leafs for the 1956-57 season. He quickly became known as one of the best two-way players in the league.
Pulford wasn't just a scorer; he was a master of the game. Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe once famously called him "one of hockey's greatest forecheckers," praising his deep understanding of the game.
Pulford was instrumental in the Maple Leafs' Stanley Cup victories in 1962, 1963, 1964, and 1967. His impact extended beyond the regular season, as highlighted by his crucial goal in the 1967 Final, a game-winner that propelled Toronto to victory.
After 14 seasons with Toronto, Pulford's career took him to the Los Angeles Kings. He amassed an impressive 643 points (including 281 goals and 362 assists) in 1,079 NHL games. Of those, 563 points were earned with the Maple Leafs.
Retiring in 1972, Pulford seamlessly transitioned to coaching, taking the helm of the Los Angeles Kings. He was named the NHL's Coach of the Year in 1975. Later, he moved to the Chicago Blackhawks, where he held coaching and general manager positions for decades.
Pulford's legacy was cemented with his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991.
But here's where it gets interesting... Commissioner Gary Bettman noted Pulford's unique distinction as one of only three individuals to have played in the NHL, served as President of the NHL players' union, and held both coaching and general manager roles.
And this is the part most people miss... Pulford's influence extended beyond the ice. He was the father-in-law of Dean Lombardi, the GM of the Kings during their Stanley Cup wins in 2012 and 2014.
What do you think about Pulford's impact on the game? Do you agree that he was one of the most versatile figures in hockey history? Share your thoughts in the comments!
