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Bob Pulford has excelled at every aspect the game of hockey offers: Player, Coach, and General Manager.
In his playing career, which began in 1956, Pulford collected 643 points (281 goals, 362 assists) in 1,079 games. With the Toronto Maple Leafs in their glory-days of the sixties, Pulford earned a Stanley Cup ring in the 1961-62, 1962-63, 1963-64, and 1966-67 seasons. Known as an outstanding penalty killer, he registered four 20-or-more goal seasons and was an NHL All-Star six times. To this date he ranks among the Maple Leafs' Top Ten in goals, assists, points, and games played.
Retiring from active play, Pulford accepted the position of Head Coach with the Los Angeles Kings in 1972. The team developed rapidly under his direction, and in the 1974-75 season, the Kings posted a 42-17-21 record for 105 points. For his efforts, Pulford was named NHL "Coach of the Year."
Following five successful seasons in L.A., Pulford joined the Chicago Blackhawks on July 6, 1977, accepting a new challenge as he became Head Coach and General Manager. He promptly led the Blackhawks to a first place finish in the Smythe Division and again earned the honor of being named "Coach of the Year" as voted by the Hockey News. Twice after relinquishing his coaching position to concentrate on management, Pulford reassumed the coaching role in mid-season to revive a struggling Hawk team. With Pulford at the helm the Chicago Blackhawks won eight division titles and made the Playoffs 20 consecutive seasons. Pulford posted a 361-325-136 record as an NHL Coach.
In June of 1990 President William Wirtz of the Chicago Blackhawks appointed Bob Pulford the club's Senior Vice President with the role of General Manager being given to Mike Keenan. This position allowed him more input into the business and marketing aspects of the team - both essential facets in the growth of any sports franchise. Although this may seem incongruous to the ordinary fan, those close to him are well aware of his meticulous attention to detail. Without a hockey career, he states, "I probably would have been a lawyer." Two seasons later, 1992-93, Pulford was again called upon to take over the duties of General Manager.
Pulford has also played an extensive role in developing the National Hockey League's early collective bargaining agreements. In 1967, Bob Pulford became the NHL's first Player Union President. Today, he plays a key role acting as Alternate Governor for the team and sitting on the advisory committee to league ownership. Pulford's accomplishments have not gone unrecognized. On June 21, 1991, he was elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
A graduate of McMaster University, Pulford is also credited with bringing more respect to hockey in the United States. As Head Coach of Team USA during the 1976 Canada Cup Games, he helped develop a team that played much better than expected. Although the team did not win a medal, he caused many to sit up and take notice of U.S. Hockey for the first time. In the 1991 Canada Cup, series he served as Co-General Manager for Team USA.
After 20 successful seasons in which the Blackhawks always made the playoffs, Pulford stepped down as the Blackhawks' General Manager on July 3, 1997, turning the reins over to Bob Murray. He re-assumed the title of General Manager and Head Coach on December 2, 1999 until the end of the season. With Mike Smith having taken over the General Manager position at the start of 2000-01 season, Pulford had returned to his role as Senior Vice President. He re-assumed the title of General Manager on October 24, 2003 until turning the reins over to Dale Tallon on June 21, 2005 and returning to his role as Senior Vice President.
"Pully," as he is often called, his wife Roslyn, have three children - Rob (Elaine), Lindsay (Dan) and Jennifer (Matt) and eight grandchildren - and reside in the northern suburbs. When he's not involved with hockey, he can be found restoring old automobiles, a long-time hobby. Golf and fishing are the others. | 