Phil Watson was a Canadian professional ice hockey player and coach who had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL). He was born on November 29, 1914, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and began his hockey career playing for the Montreal Canadiens in 1934.
Watson played for the Canadiens for three seasons before being traded to the New York Rangers in 1937. He played for the Rangers for eight seasons and was known for his physical play and leadership on the ice. He was named the team captain in 1947 and led the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup championship in 1940.
After retiring as a player in 1950, Watson became a coach and spent several years coaching in the AHL. He was named the head coach of the Rangers in 1964 and led the team to the playoffs in his first season. He coached the Rangers for three seasons before being fired in 1967.
Watson then became the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1968 and led the team to their first playoff appearance in 1970. He coached the Penguins for three seasons before retiring from coaching in 1971.
In addition to his coaching career, Watson was also a successful businessman. He owned a chain of sporting goods stores in the New York area and was a partner in a construction company.
Watson was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1994 in recognition of his contributions to the sport as a player and coach. He passed away on August 19, 1991, at the age of 76.
Overall, Phil Watson had a successful career in hockey as both a player and coach. He was known for his physical play and leadership on the ice and was a key part of the New York Rangers' first Stanley Cup championship. He also had a successful coaching career, leading both the Rangers and Penguins to the playoffs.
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