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Larry Hillman, youngest player to have his name engraved on Stanley Cup has died at age 85

Former NHL defenseman Larry Hillman who was part of six Stanley Cup-winning teams over a lengthy and well-traveled pro hockey career, has died at age 85.

Hillman had 36 goals and 196 assists over 790 career games at the NHL level with the Leafs, Wings, Bruins, Canadiens, Stars, Flyers, Kings, and Sabres.

He also played in Cleveland and Winnipeg in the WHA, and Buffalo, Edmonton, Providence, Rochester and Springfield in the AHL.

He became the youngest player to have his name engraved on the Cup at 18 years two months nine days. The record cannot be broken under current NHL regulations, as a player must be 18 years old by Sept. 15 to be eligible to play in his rookie NHL season.

Hillman was named the Jets’ head coach for the 1977-78 WHA season, where he led the team to an Avco Cup title.

He was fired 61 games into the 1978-79 campaign with Winnipeg posting a middling 28-27-6 record.

He was one of the most traveled players in hockey history, playing for 15 different teams in 22 professional seasons.

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
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