Canadian Ice Hockey player and coach Bill MacMillan died earlier today at the age of 80. He was an NHL legend who had a glorious career on the ice field. Read on to learn how did Bill MacMillan die, what happened to him, and what was the cause of his death.
MacMillan first played in the NHL and later became a coach after his retirement. His most significant stint came with the New York Islanders but he also achieved glory with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Atlanta Flames.
Bill MacMillan Died Aged 80 this past Saturday
Canadian Ice Hockey player and coach Bill MacMillan died on Saturday, July 15, 2023. He was 80 years old. The NHL legend was not well for the past few days and struggling with old age-related health issues lately.
Unfortunately, he left the world and his fans mourning this weekend. The saddening news of Bill MacMillan’s death was announced by his former team Toronto Maple Leafs on social media. Several other teams, players, and fans later joined in to pay tribute to the deceased legend.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Canadian hockey coach and player, Bill MacMillan,” wrote Leafs from their official Twitter account.
It added: “Bill represented Canada on the International stage several times before making his NHL debut with the Maple Leafs in 1970. Our thoughts and condolences are with Bill’s family.”
What was the cause of Bill MacMillan’s death?
The announcement that confirmed the news of Bill MacMillan’s death didn’t reveal the circumstances surrounding his death. However, some reports claim that he passed away peacefully while his loved ones were nearby him.
The cause of Bill MacMillan’s death is not known right now but there is a general speculation that he died a natural death. He was 80 years old and his health was deteriorating in the past few years. He would be at peace right now.
Bill MacMillan Had a Glorious NHL Career
Born on March 07, 1943, Bill MacMillan hailed from Prince Edward Island. He excelled in hockey, rugby, and track from a very young age. He went to Ontario when he was just a teenager and joined the St. Michael’s Majors junior team.
MacMillan played in three Memorial Cup tournaments with them. After that, he returned to PEI for his higher studies. He graduated from Saint Dunstan’s University and continued to play hockey after that. MacMillan also played for the Canadian national team.
He featured at two World Championships for them and won the bronze medal in the 1968 Winter Olympics with the team. In 1970, MacMillan made his debut in the NHL with Toronto Maple Leafs.
Bill MacMillan played 446 Games in the NHL & Scored 74 Goals
MacMillan started his NHL career with Toronto and played 137 games for them between 1970 and 1972. After that, he joined the New York Islands and played 231 games in four seasons for them from 1973 and 1977. He also played 78 games for the Atlanta Flames in 1972-73.
During his glorious career, Bill MacMillan played 446 NHL games, scored 74 goals, and provided 77 assists for a combined 151 points. After retiring as a player, MacMillan transitioned to a coaching career and worked with several top teams.
He was a player-coach with the Fort Worth Texans, the Islanders’ top affiliate in the Central Hockey League during the 1977-78 season. Later, he won a Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders in 1980.
After that, he became the head coach of the Colorado Rockies between 1980 and 1982. MacMillan was also the first head coach and general manager in the history of the New Jersey Devils.
Tributes for Bill MacMillan Flooding Social Media
Social media is full of fans and friends of Bill MacMillan sharing prayers, respectful messages, and wishes right now as everyone is mourning the death of the legend.
His contributions to the sport will be remembered forever and he will be part of the game till the end of time. Fans will never forget the brilliant player and coach.
The funeral arrangements of MacMillan are pending right now. The services will likely be kept private. We will keep you posted when his family shares more details.
Our heartfelt condolences go to his loved ones. May God let the departed soul rest in peace.
