Larry Hillman, Canadian ice hockey player and coach

Lawrence Hillman: A Hockey Journeyman and Champion Defenceman

Lawrence Morley Hillman, widely known as Larry Hillman, born on February 5, 1937, is a distinguished Canadian retired professional ice hockey defenceman and coach whose career was as remarkable for its longevity as it was for its unique geographic span. Hillman holds a distinctive place in hockey history as one of the most widely travelled players, embodying the nomadic nature of professional sports careers through his service with an astounding 15 different teams across 22 professional seasons.

His extensive playing career saw him compete at the highest levels of the sport. Hillman spent the majority of his prime in the National Hockey League (NHL), playing from 1955 to 1973. Following this, he transitioned to the rival World Hockey Association (WHA), where he continued his professional playing career from 1973 until his retirement in 1976. This move was common among many established NHL players seeking new opportunities and often higher salaries during the WHA's challenge to the NHL's dominance.

A Legacy of Stanley Cup Victories

Despite the frequent team changes, Larry Hillman was a consistent winner, accumulating an impressive four Stanley Cup championships during his playing career. These victories underscore his valuable contributions to highly successful teams during the NHL's golden era, showcasing his defensive reliability and leadership:

• He won three consecutive Stanley Cups with the legendary Toronto Maple Leafs in 1962, 1963, and 1964. During this period, Hillman was a key part of a formidable defensive core that established the Maple Leafs as a true dynasty in the Original Six era.
• His fourth Stanley Cup triumph came with the formidable Montreal Canadiens in 1969. This achievement demonstrated his remarkable ability to adapt and contribute to yet another dominant NHL franchise, further cementing his legacy as a proven champion.

Transition to Coaching in the World Hockey Association

After concluding his extensive playing career, Larry Hillman transitioned into coaching within the World Hockey Association. He spent parts of three seasons behind the bench, notably coaching the Calgary Cowboys during the 1975-76 season. Hillman later served as head coach for the Winnipeg Jets for a portion of the 1976-77 season, where he helped guide the team during a pivotal period of the WHA's existence before its eventual merger with the NHL in 1979. This coaching chapter allowed him to impart his vast experience and deep knowledge of the game to a new generation of players.

Frequently Asked Questions about Larry Hillman

How many teams did Larry Hillman play for during his career?

Larry Hillman played for an exceptional 15 different professional hockey teams over his 22-season career, making him one of the most widely traveled players in the sport's history.

How many Stanley Cups did Larry Hillman win?

Larry Hillman won four Stanley Cups as a player. He achieved three consecutive victories with the Toronto Maple Leafs (1962, 1963, 1964) and one with the Montreal Canadiens (1969).

Which leagues did Larry Hillman play in?

Larry Hillman played in both the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1955 to 1973 and the World Hockey Association (WHA) from 1973 to 1976.

Did Larry Hillman also coach?

Yes, after retiring as a player, Larry Hillman coached for parts of three seasons in the World Hockey Association (WHA), notably with teams like the Calgary Cowboys and the Winnipeg Jets.