Hal Laycoe

Harold Richardson Laycoe (June 23, 1922 – April 29, 1998) was a Canadian ice hockey defenceman and coach.

Hal Laycoe
Born	June 23, 1922 Sutherland, Saskatchewan, Canada
Died	April 29, 1998 (aged 75) Langley, British Columbia, Canada
Height	6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight	174 lb (79 kg; 12 st 6 lb)
Position	Defence
Shot	Left
Played for	New York Rangers Montreal Canadiens Boston Bruins
Playing career	1945–1956

Laycoe grew up in rural Sutherland, Saskatchewan. He played junior hockey in Saskatoon, but he saw his dreams of turning pro in the sport interrupted by World War II. Laycoe served in the Royal Canadian Navy and played on travelling teams while completing his military service. He started his National Hockey League career with the New York Rangers after signing with this team in 1945.[1]

In 1947, Laycoe joined the Montreal Canadiens. Despite wearing eyeglasses during games due to his vision, Laycoe gained a reputation as one of the most physical players in the league. However, he struggled to find playing time on an exceptionally deep team. He was a midseason trade acquisition by the Boston Bruins in 1951, and he received an increased number of minutes on the blue line with his new club. His high stick on and subsequent fight with French-Canadian superstar Maurice Richard was the catalyst for the infamous Richard Riot. Laycoe retired after the 1955-1956 season.[2]

Hal Laycoe's NHL playing record of 531 games in 11 years

Hal Laycoe's NHL playing record of 531 games in 11 years

Coaching during late 1960s

Hal retired in Vancouver and rightfully proud of his accomplishments in Hockey

On ice, Portland Buckaroos celebrate Cup win in 1965 at Victoria

One of 4 Stanley Cup Rings from NY Islanders presented to Hal

Laycoe coached the New Westminster Royals of the Western Hockey League in 1956–57 and remained with the franchise when it moved to Portland, Oregon for the 1960–1961 season and was renamed the Portland Buckaroos. The Buckaroos won the league championship Lester Patrick Cup its first year in existence. Laycoe coached the Buckaroos for nine seasons and won another league championship in 1964–1965.[2] During the 9 Buckaroo years, Laycoe led them to more victories(362) than any other professional team. In 1969, Laycoe moved to the National Hockey League, coaching the Los Angeles Kings for part of one season and then moving on to the expansion Vancouver Canucks for two more seasons. He later coached the Dutch national team in the 1977 B Pool World Championships.He continued to live in Vancouver after leaving the Canuck's management. His final position in hockey was as a scout with the New York Islanders.[3] He received 4 Stanley Cup Rings from Islanders , 1980 to 1984.

In 1984, he was named to the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.

Although his hometown of Sutherland became annexed into Saskatoon, Laycoe Crescent, Court, Lane and Terrace in the city's Silverspring subdivision is named in his honor.

Coaching record

Team	Year	Regular season						Post season
		G	W	L	T	Pts	Finish	Result
Los Angeles Kings	1969–70	24	5	18	1	(11)	6th in West	(relieved mid season)
Vancouver Canucks	1970–71	78	24	46	8	56	6th in East	Missed playoffs
Vancouver Canucks	1971–72	78	20	50	8	48	7th in East	Missed playoffs
Total		180	49	114	17
New Westminster Royals	1956-57	70	34	34	5	73	2nd	Cup Finalist
New Westminster Royals	1957-58	70	39	28	3	81	2nd	Lost in Playoffs
New Westminster Royals	1958-59	70	23	45	2	48	5th	Missed playoffs
Victoria Cougars	1959-60	70	37	29	4	78	3rd	Cup Finalist
Portland Buckaroos	1960-61	70	38	23	9	85	2nd	Lester Patrick Cup Winner
Portland Buckaroos	1961-62	70	42	23	5	89	1st	Lost in playoffs
Portland Buckaroos	1962-63	70	43	21	6	92	1st	Lost in playoffs
Portland Buckaroos	1963-64	70	33	30	7	73	2nd	Lost in playoffs
Portland Buckaroos	1964-65	70	42	23	5	89	1st	Lester Patrick Cup Winner
Portland Buckaroos	1965-66	72	43	24	5	91	1st	Cup Finalist
Portland Buckaroos	1966-67	72	41	24	7	89	1st	Lost in playoffs
Portland Buckaroos	1967-68	72	40	26	6	86	1st	Cup Finalist
Portland Buckaroos	1968-69	74	40	18	16	96	1st	Cup Finalist
Vancouver Canucks	1969-70	72	47	17	8	102	1st	Lester Patrick Cup Winner, Laycoe replaced Crozier in April

References

1. "NHL Player Search - Player - Hal Laycoe". Legends of Hockey. Retrieved 2014-05-22.
2. Richard Goldstein. "Hal Laycoe, 75, N.H.L. Player Whose High Stick Led to Riot - New York Times". Nytimes.com. Retrieved 2014-05-22.
3. "HAL LAYCOE - Los Angeles Kings - Kings' History". Kings.nhl.com. Retrieved 2014-05-22.

External links

• Career Stats