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A tough, dependable forward, Pulford helped the Toronto Maple
Leafs win the Stanley Cup four times during his 14-year stretch
with them from 1956-70. The Newton Robinson, Ontario, native was
part of the 1967 team that remains the organization's last to
win a championship.
He was picked for five All-Star games and led the league in
short-handed goals three times. After recording 694 points in
1,168 regular-season and playoff games, Pulford was inducted
into the Hall of Fame in 1991.
Off the ice, Pulford was the first president of the players
union, taking part in early collective bargaining and laying the
foundation for the modern NHLPA.
Pulford spent his final two playing seasons with the Los Angeles
Kings in the early ‘70s before coaching them for the following
five years. He then ran the Chicago Blackhawks’ front office as
general manager or senior vice president of hockey operations
for three decades from 1977-2007, going behind the bench to
coach four times during that span.
“Whether coach, general manager, senior executive, or even
multiple at the same time, Bob wasn’t afraid to serve in
whatever role was most needed at the time and take on the
different challenges associated with each that seem unthinkable
by today’s standards,” said Blackhawks chairman and CEO Danny
Wirtz, whose grandfather Bill employed Pulford. “We are grateful
for his leadership and devotion to the sport, which will forever
be part of our club’s history.”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said Pulford “left an indelible
mark on the game,” especially given the various roles he filled.
“Bob became a friend, counselor and confidant to me —
particularly in my early years as commissioner — and I had
enormous respect for him and all he gave the game," Bettman
said.
The NHL Alumni Association in a post memorializing Pulford
called him “one of the most respected figures in the history of
hockey.”
“Rest in peace, Bob,” the NHLAA said. “Your impact on hockey and
on all who had the privilege of knowing you will never be
forgotten.”
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