Bill Masterton

Bill Masterton (born August 16, 1938 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada - January 15, 1968) was a center in the National Hockey League. He played only one year for the Minnesota North Stars.

Related Topics:
August 16 - 1938 - Winnipeg - Manitoba - Canada - January 15 - 1968 - Center - National Hockey League - Minnesota North Stars

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Bill was signed by the Montreal Canadiens soon after he came out of the University of Denver in 1961. He would bounce around the minor league before the North Stars picked him up before their first season in 1967.

Related Topics:
Montreal Canadiens - University of Denver - 1961 - 1967

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Bill was the first and only player to die in an NHL game. On January 14, 1968, in a game against the Oakland Seals at the Met Center, Bill tripped, or was tripped, and fell backwards onto the ice. The force of the back of his head hitting this ice caused a lot of bleeding and he quickly lost blood. The next day, Bill died. He was the first player in 68 years to die from on-ice action in the NHL.

Related Topics:
January 14 - Oakland Seals - Met Center

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Bill Masterton Trophy is named in his honor. The trophy goes to dedication, sportsmanship, and perseverance.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~