William Alexander (Bill) Gadsby

William Alexander (Bill) Gadsby

Detroit Red Wings Player (1961 – 1966)
Detroit Red Wings Coach (1968 – 1970)

Bill Gadsby was born in Calgary, Alberta, playing for several minor league teams including the Alberta Midget champions in 1942. He started his NHL career with the Chicago Black Hawks in 1946 where he spent nine seasons before being traded to the New York Rangers for six seasons, ending his career playing six seasons with the Red Wings. During his 21-season NHL career Gadsby played in 1248 games, scoring 130 goals and 438 assists, at the time of his retirement, he was the NHL's highest scoring defenseman. After his playing career ended he coached the Red Wings for parts of two seasons. Bill Gadsby was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1970, the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 1986 and was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1986. He passed away on March 10, 2016 at 88 years of age.