Hall Member Bud Poile Dies

[VodkaFish]

Nashville, Tenn - The Nashville Predators are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Norman R. "Bud" Poile, father of Predators general manager David Poile and a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, on Tuesday in Vancouver.

Born in Fort William, Ontario, Poile began his professional hockey career as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1942. After returning from service in World War II, he helped the Leafs capture the Stanley Cup in
1947. He finished his NHL playing career having suited up for five of the original six teams.

As a head coach, Poile was behind the bench for nine seasons (1952-62) with the Edmonton Flyers of the Western Hockey League, where he won three league titles and was named executive of the year by The Hockey News in 1953. He then spent four seasons as the head coach of the WHL's San Francisco Seals.

In 1967, Poile became the first general manager of the NHL expansion franchise Philadelphia Flyers, and in 1970, he signed on as the first GM of the NHL's Vancouver Canucks. In 1976, he began an eight-year run as the commissioner of the Central Hockey League, and during the 1983-84 season, Poile also took over the commissioner's role of the International Hockey League. He continued as the IHL commissioner until retiring in 1989.

Poile was honored with the Lester Patrick Award, presented for outstanding service to hockey in the United States, in 1989. David Poile (2001) and his father comprise one of six father-son combinations to have won the Lester Patrick Award. Norman "Bud" Poile was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990.

A memorial service will be on held on Friday afternoon in Vancouver. Anyone wishing to make a contribution on Poile's behalf can donate to the Canucks for Kids Fund, 1690 Matthews Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 2T2.

"Bud devoted his life to the service of hockey, and with his passing, the game has lost a true friend and valued contributor. On behalf of the entire NHL family, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Poile family."
- Gary Bettman, commissioner, National Hockey League

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to David Poile and the entire Poile family. Bud was one of the true legends of hockey, having played the game at the highest level and then serving as one of the game's fine administrators. I had the great fortune to get to know Bud in his later years and will remember him as a gentleman always willing to share his insight and knowledge, and as a man who had great family values."
- Craig Leipold, owner, Nashville Predators

"Bud Poile played a major role in the hockey world in a career that spanned from before World War II up until the turn of the century. I met him when he was serving as commissioner of the IHL. Bud was a true leader that you could always count on. He was a tremendous person and an example of class and dignity. Our hearts are with the Poile family in this difficult time. "
- Jack Diller, president, Nashville Predators

[cottonzway]

Sounds like a man who had a lot to do with and for the sport. I have only heard of him a few times but it is obvious the guy did some great things in hockey. RIP.