Bill Hay was a Hall of Fame hockey player best known for his eight seasons with the Chicago Black Hawks, including winning the NHL’s rookie of the year prize in 1960.
- Died: October 25, 2024 (Who else died on October 25?)
- Details of death: Died in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 88.
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Bill Hay’s legacy
Hay was already a hockey star by the time he joined the NHL in 1959. Born in Saskatchewan, he played in the Memorial Cup with the Regina Pats and was an all-star with the Colorado College Tigers.
Debuting for the Chicago Black Hawks, Hay put up 54 points in 53 games, earning the center a Calder Memorial Trophy, which is the NHL’s rookie of the year award. He also made the 1960 All-Star team. The following year, playing alongside Bobby Hull (1939–2023) and Murray Balfour (1936–1965), he helped lead the Hawks to their first Stanley Cup in more than 20 years. He retired from playing after the 1967 season, having scored 386 points in 506 games and two consecutive All-Star Game appearances.
After his retirement, Hay became a hockey executive, serving as president and CEO of the Calgary Flames, then being named chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame. He himself was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.
Tributes to Bill Hay
Full obituary: Chicago Tribune
