Bob Plager was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman for several teams in the National Hockey League (NHL) during his career. He was born on March 11, 1943, in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada.
Plager began his professional career in 1964 with the Quebec Aces of the American Hockey League (AHL). He played for the Aces for two seasons before being called up to the NHL by the New York Rangers in 1966. However, he only played one game for the Rangers before being traded to the St. Louis Blues.
Plager played for the Blues for 11 seasons, from 1967 to 1978. He was known for his physical play and his ability to clear the puck out of his own zone. He was also a fan favorite in St. Louis, known for his outgoing personality and his willingness to interact with fans.
In 1978, Plager was traded to the Atlanta Flames, where he played for one season before being traded back to the Blues. He played for the Blues for two more seasons before being traded to the Hartford Whalers in 1981.
Plager played for the Whalers for one season before retiring from the NHL in 1982. However, he continued to play professional hockey for several more years, playing for teams in the Central Hockey League (CHL) and the International Hockey League (IHL).
After retiring from playing, Plager became a coach and a scout. He coached in the CHL and the International Hockey League (IHL) and worked as a scout for the Blues and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Plager was also involved in the St. Louis community, working with charities and youth hockey programs. He was inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.
Tragically, Plager passed away on March 24, 2021, in a car accident in St. Louis. He was 78 years old. His death was mourned by the hockey community, with many former teammates and fans sharing their memories of him on social media.
🏒