Bill Friday (ice hockey)
Bill Friday | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 24, 1933 |
| Died | May 2024 (aged 91) |
| Occupation(s) | NHL and WHA referee |
Bill Friday (January 24, 1933 – May 2024) was a Canadian ice hockey referee.[1] He refereed 1,425 major league hockey games, and is the only referee to work both the Avco Cup finals in the World Hockey Association (WHA) and the Stanley Cup finals in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Friday started his officiating career in the NHL, and moved to the WHA in 1972.[2] In 1976 he was named the WHA's referee-in-chief. Friday also served as the first president of the NHL Officials Association.[3] On May 14, 2024, it was announced that Friday has died at the age of 91.[4]
Honours[edit]
In 2010, Friday was an inaugural inductee into the Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame.[5]
In 2012, Friday was elected to the World Hockey Association Hall of Fame.[6]
References[edit]
- ^ Hendry, Glenn (24 January 2024). "Hamilton hockey official hall-of-famer celebrates 91st birthday". In the Hammer. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ 'Putting on the foil' and other tall tales
- ^ "National Hockey League Officials Association | About US NHLOA News Events Alumni Become a Ref". Archived from the original on 2012-11-14. Retrieved 2013-09-11.
- ^ "Statement from the National Hockey League on the Passing of Bill Friday". NHL. May 14, 2024. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
- ^ "Bill Friday – Hockey (Official) | Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame". Archived from the original on 2012-04-24. Retrieved 2013-09-11.
- ^ "WHA Hall of Fame Members". Archived from the original on 2019-01-15. Retrieved 2013-09-11.