Chicago Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Chicago Blackhawks, NHL or NHLPA
Blackhawks issue devastating statement as a former member of the organization passes away
The Chicago Blackhawks have reacted to the passing of former Chicago Blackhawk and Hockey Canada executive Bill Hay.
Hay passed away at the age of 88 and won a Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1961.
Hay was a major part of Blackhawks history who was a part of the "Million Dollar Line" with Murray Balfour, and the "Golden Jet" Bobby Hull.
Hay came to the Blackhawks in 1959, from the Calgary Stampeders and would play his entire NHL career with the team.
Bill "Red" Hay would win the Calder Trophy in the NHL during his rookie season which saw him post 55 points( 17 G, 38 A) in 70 games with the original six organization.
The Calgary-born forward, would soon retire at age 31, and step into the business side of the game, becoming CEO of the Calgary Flames, and in 1990 becoming President and COO of Hockey Canada.
It's quite easy to say he had hockey in his blood, as he would stick around the game in multiple leadership positions over five decades.
He was honored in the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1992 and in 2015 was inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame, as a builder. In 2021 he would be invested in the Order of Hockey Canada in 2021.
He continued in the game post-retirement, serving as president and chief executive officer of the Calgary Flames from 1991-95 alongside his role with Hockey Canada.
He was instrumental in the merger of Hockey Canada and the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association in the mid-1990s.
He was also a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame selection committee from 1980-97 and a member of the hall's board of directors from 1995 until his retirement in 2013, including 15 years as chairman.
He was instrumental in the merger of Hockey Canada and the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association in the mid-1990s.
He was also a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame selection committee from 1980-97 and a member of the hall's board of directors from 1995 until his retirement in 2013, including 15 years as chairman.
Hay wasn't only an important figure in Chicago sports but as an executive in the game of hockey.
He was a part of many pivotal decisions, and which influenced millions of lives along the way.
We send our deepest condolences to the Hay family, his friends, and former co-workers.
RIP Bill "Red" Hay.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 26 | 80 ANSWERS Blackhawks issue devastating statement as a former member of the organization passes away Did you ever get to see Bill Hay play any games with Bobby Hull and Murray Balfour? | ||
| Yes | 33 | 41.3 % |
| No | 47 | 58.8 % |
| List of polls | ||