Bill Sutherland was a Canadian ice hockey player who had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 1950s and 1960s. He was born on November 10, 1934, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and began playing hockey at a young age.
Sutherland played junior hockey for the Winnipeg Monarchs and was eventually signed by the Boston Bruins in 1954. He spent most of his early career playing for the Bruins' minor league affiliates, including the Hershey Bears and the Quebec Aces.
In 1958, Sutherland was called up to the Bruins and played his first NHL game on November 22, 1958. He quickly established himself as a solid two-way player and became a regular on the Bruins' roster.
Sutherland played for the Bruins for six seasons before being traded to the Detroit Red Wings in 1964. He played for the Red Wings for two seasons before being traded again, this time to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Sutherland played for the Penguins for three seasons and was named team captain in 1969. He was known for his leadership and work ethic, and was a fan favorite in Pittsburgh.
In 1972, Sutherland was traded to the St. Louis Blues, where he played for one season before retiring from the NHL. He finished his NHL career with 1,019 games played, 139 goals, and 259 assists.
After retiring from the NHL, Sutherland continued to play hockey in Europe for several years. He also worked as a coach and scout for various teams, including the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Winnipeg Jets.
Sutherland was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003. He passed away on January 31, 2005, at the age of 70.
Overall, Bill Sutherland had a successful career in the NHL and was known for his leadership and work ethic. He was a respected player and coach, and his contributions to the sport of hockey will not be forgotten.
🏒