Bryan "Bugsy" Watson Little Big Man

[Maggie3and Me]

Bryan “Bugsy” Watson. According to who you talk to, was either one of the biggest instigators, biggest agitators, or one of the biggest pain in the asses in the history of the NHL. The one thing anyone who has followed hockey can agree on is he was one of the toughest players in the history of the league

Born in Bancroft , Ontario, Canada, in 1942, Bryan broke into the NHL during the 1963-64 season with the Montreal Canadiens. Traded to the Detroit Red Wings in 1965, he found himself playing with the likes of Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio. He was given the name Bugsy for his shadowing of Bobby Hull during that years playoffs, allowing the Wings to win the semi-final match over the Blackhawks and advance to the finals. They lost to Montreal 4 games to 2.

Some say the nickname which stuck with him the rest of his career came from coach Syd Abel, others say Howe and Delvecchio gave him the nickname, but, most agree that Hull himself who was so frustrated by Watson, called him buggy in the press, thus earning him the nickname.

Watson, who grew to 5’9” tall and 175 pounds, would prove to be one of the most fearless and toughest of defensemen to ever play in the NHL. In his 16 seasons in the league he accrued 2212 PIM, ranking him 39th all time. I have included some articles and other information to give a better insight to one of hockey’s most colorful players, that fans today do not know a lot about.

Throughout his career, he averaged just under 55 games a season. When he started his playing career, the league, which had expanded from 60 games a year to 70 in 1950, where it stayed until further expansion. The league played 74 games in the 67-68 season, 76 games in 68-69, 78 games in 70-71, in 74-75 it went to 80, and in 1999 it went to its current 82 games.

I mention this because as he was getting older the league kept expanding. At his size and the physical way he played, averaging as many games a year as he did it a testament to his toughness

Quote:
Bryan "Bugsy" Watson
Nicknamed "Bugsy" by Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio, Bryan Watson was known to be an agitator extraordinaire. He bothered people, doing whatever it took to make them lose their concentration.

In spite of Bryan's small size (5'9" and 175 Ibs), most people were distinctly aware of his presence. Ken Schinkel, a former teammate and coach of Bryan once said " Bryan is very verbal, and will take whatever steps are necessary to do his thing. That thing means to get into fights, give elbows, and make people boo when he comes to the ice."

Schinkel also recalled when he played against Bryan.

"I felt it when Bryan came to say hello in the corners. You always knew you got hit when Bugsy got to you. "

Watson himself used to say that the contact felt good and got his circulation moving. Pete Stemkowski of the Rangers called him a "Madman". Denis Potvin once described how during a fight Bryan drove his head right into his cheek. Anything counted in Bryan's book. His style of play could easily be seen on his PIM totals. Bryan had 2212 Pim's in only 878 games.

Intimidation was the name of the game for Bryan. He was a pretty bad skater and shooter but he had more guts than most players and that is what kept him in the NHL for such a long time. He only scored 17 goals in the 878 games and had 152 points.

A loyal and absolutely fearless player who never hesitated to stop pucks with his head if the situation called for it, Bryan was a great teammate. In the dressing room he was always on the lookout for a good practical joke. He knew when to lighten the bench, and when to set a fire under someone's ass. He was definitely one of those players who every team liked to have on their side.

But among his opponents he was the kind of player that you loved to hate in the same fashion as an Eddie Shack, Theoren Fleury, or Sean Avery. In other words, you loved to have him on your team but you hated to play against him, because he could be really mean.

This Bancroft, Ontario native played his junior career for the Peterborough Petes in the OHA. He then toiled a short while in the minors before being called up to the Montreal Canadiens where he played 39 regular season games during the 1963-64 season as well as 6 playoff games, but he didn't make much of a name for himself. It was apparent that Bryan's bruising style was not going to fit the fleet style of play that the Canadiens were noted for, so they traded him to Chicago on June 8, 1965. One day later he was claimed by Detroit in the intra-league draft.

Watson spent two years in Detroit, drawing some praise for his job checking Bobby Hull in the 1966 playoffs. Yet he would be claimed by Minnesota in the expansion draft in 1967. The North Stars traded him back to Montreal the same day. Once again he had a short stint with the Canadiens and spend most of his time in the AHL and CHL. Needless to say, Watson's luggage was starting to get worn out after all this movement.

It was during the 1967-68 season that Bryan drew some fame. He managed to lead the CHL in penalty minutes (293) in only 50 games, but he also was named the best defenseman in the CHL as well as being the MVP of the league and a first team All-Star.

He was traded to Oakland in 1968 and then to Pittsburgh in 1969. He managed to stay over 5 seasons in the Steel City, and led the NHL with 212 PIMs in 1971-72.

But Bryan continued to be a well traveled player. He played in St. Louis and Detroit once again before finishing his career with three seasons in Washington. In 878 NHL games he scored just 17 times while setting up 135 others. He retired with 2212 PIMs, then a NHL all time record.

After a short coaching tenure with the early 1980s Edmonton Oilers, Watson would stay in the Washington area in retirement, opening up Bugsy’s Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar in nearby Alexandria, Virginia.

The following is a list of teams and the trades for Watson.
June 8, 1965: Traded to Chicago by Montreal for Don Johns, June 8, 1965.

June 9, 1965: Claimed by Detroit from Chicago in Intra-League Draft, June 9, 1965.

June 6, 1967: Claimed by Minnesota from Detroit in Expansion Draft, June 6, 1967.

June 6, 1967: Traded to Montreal by Minnesota for Bill Plager and the rights to Leo Thiffault and Barrie Meissner, June 6, 1967.

June 28, 1968: Traded to Oakland by Montreal with cash for Oakland's 1st round choice (Michel Larocque) in 1972 Amateur Draft and future considerations (Tom Thurlby, September 1968), June 28, 1968.

January 30, 1969: Traded to Pittsburgh by Oakland with George Swarbrick and Tracy Pratt for Earl Ingarfield, Gene Ubriaco and Dick Mattiussi, January 30, 1969.

February 12, 1972: Selected by LA Sharks (WHA) in 1972 WHA General Player Draft, February 12, 1972.

January 17, 1974: Traded to St. Louis by Pittsburgh with Greg Polis and Pittsburgh's 2nd round choice (Bob Hess) in 1974 Amateur Draft for Steve Durbano, Ab DeMarco Jr. and Bob Kelly, January 17, 1974.

February 14, 1974: Traded to Detroit by St. Louis with Chris Evans and Jean Hamel for Ted Harris, Bill Collins and Garnet Bailey, February 14, 1974.

November 30, 1976: Traded to Washington by Detroit for Greg Joly, November 30, 1976.

March 2, 1979: Signed as a free agent by Cincinnati (WHA) following release by Washington, March 2, 1979.

June 9, 1979: Claimed by Edmonton from Cincinnati (WHA) in WHA Dispersal Draft, June 9, 1979.

Watson did manage his one Cup win with the 64-65 Canadiens. He earned a legacy from his hard nosed hockey

[hockey doc]

Originally Posted by Maggie3and Me

Bryan “Bugsy” Watson. According to who you talk to, was either one of the biggest instigators, biggest agitators, or one of the biggest pain in the asses in the history of the NHL. The one thing anyone who has followed hockey can agree on is he was one of the toughest players in the history of the league

Born in Bancroft , Ontario, Canada, in 1942, Bryan broke into the NHL during the 1963-64 season with the Montreal Canadiens. Traded to the Detroit Red Wings in 1965, he found himself playing with the likes of Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio. He was given the name Bugsy for his shadowing of Bobby Hull during that years playoffs, allowing the Wings to win the semi-final match over the Blackhawks and advance to the finals. They lost to Montreal 4 games to 2.

Some say the nickname which stuck with him the rest of his career came from coach Syd Abel, others say Howe and Delvecchio gave him the nickname, but, most agree that Hull himself who was so frustrated by Watson, called him buggy in the press, thus earning him the nickname.

Watson, who grew to 5’9” tall and 175 pounds, would prove to be one of the most fearless and toughest of defensemen to ever play in the NHL. In his 16 seasons in the league he accrued 2212 PIM, ranking him 39th all time. I have included some articles and other information to give a better insight to one of hockey’s most colorful players, that fans today do not know a lot about.

Throughout his career, he averaged just under 55 games a season. When he started his playing career, the league, which had expanded from 60 games a year to 70 in 1950, where it stayed until further expansion. The league played 74 games in the 67-68 season, 76 games in 68-69, 78 games in 70-71, in 74-75 it went to 80, and in 1999 it went to its current 82 games.

I mention this because as he was getting older the league kept expanding. At his size and the physical way he played, averaging as many games a year as he did it a testament to his toughness

Quote:
Bryan "Bugsy" Watson
Nicknamed "Bugsy" by Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio, Bryan Watson was known to be an agitator extraordinaire. He bothered people, doing whatever it took to make them lose their concentration.

In spite of Bryan's small size (5'9" and 175 Ibs), most people were distinctly aware of his presence. Ken Schinkel, a former teammate and coach of Bryan once said " Bryan is very verbal, and will take whatever steps are necessary to do his thing. That thing means to get into fights, give elbows, and make people boo when he comes to the ice."

Schinkel also recalled when he played against Bryan.

"I felt it when Bryan came to say hello in the corners. You always knew you got hit when Bugsy got to you. "

Watson himself used to say that the contact felt good and got his circulation moving. Pete Stemkowski of the Rangers called him a "Madman". Denis Potvin once described how during a fight Bryan drove his head right into his cheek. Anything counted in Bryan's book. His style of play could easily be seen on his PIM totals. Bryan had 2212 Pim's in only 878 games.

Intimidation was the name of the game for Bryan. He was a pretty bad skater and shooter but he had more guts than most players and that is what kept him in the NHL for such a long time. He only scored 17 goals in the 878 games and had 152 points.

A loyal and absolutely fearless player who never hesitated to stop pucks with his head if the situation called for it, Bryan was a great teammate. In the dressing room he was always on the lookout for a good practical joke. He knew when to lighten the bench, and when to set a fire under someone's ass. He was definitely one of those players who every team liked to have on their side.

But among his opponents he was the kind of player that you loved to hate in the same fashion as an Eddie Shack, Theoren Fleury, or Sean Avery. In other words, you loved to have him on your team but you hated to play against him, because he could be really mean.

This Bancroft, Ontario native played his junior career for the Peterborough Petes in the OHA. He then toiled a short while in the minors before being called up to the Montreal Canadiens where he played 39 regular season games during the 1963-64 season as well as 6 playoff games, but he didn't make much of a name for himself. It was apparent that Bryan's bruising style was not going to fit the fleet style of play that the Canadiens were noted for, so they traded him to Chicago on June 8, 1965. One day later he was claimed by Detroit in the intra-league draft.

Watson spent two years in Detroit, drawing some praise for his job checking Bobby Hull in the 1966 playoffs. Yet he would be claimed by Minnesota in the expansion draft in 1967. The North Stars traded him back to Montreal the same day. Once again he had a short stint with the Canadiens and spend most of his time in the AHL and CHL. Needless to say, Watson's luggage was starting to get worn out after all this movement.

It was during the 1967-68 season that Bryan drew some fame. He managed to lead the CHL in penalty minutes (293) in only 50 games, but he also was named the best defenseman in the CHL as well as being the MVP of the league and a first team All-Star.

He was traded to Oakland in 1968 and then to Pittsburgh in 1969. He managed to stay over 5 seasons in the Steel City, and led the NHL with 212 PIMs in 1971-72.

But Bryan continued to be a well traveled player. He played in St. Louis and Detroit once again before finishing his career with three seasons in Washington. In 878 NHL games he scored just 17 times while setting up 135 others. He retired with 2212 PIMs, then a NHL all time record.

After a short coaching tenure with the early 1980s Edmonton Oilers, Watson would stay in the Washington area in retirement, opening up Bugsy’s Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar in nearby Alexandria, Virginia.

The following is a list of teams and the trades for Watson.
June 8, 1965: Traded to Chicago by Montreal for Don Johns, June 8, 1965.

June 9, 1965: Claimed by Detroit from Chicago in Intra-League Draft, June 9, 1965.

June 6, 1967: Claimed by Minnesota from Detroit in Expansion Draft, June 6, 1967.

June 6, 1967: Traded to Montreal by Minnesota for Bill Plager and the rights to Leo Thiffault and Barrie Meissner, June 6, 1967.

June 28, 1968: Traded to Oakland by Montreal with cash for Oakland's 1st round choice (Michel Larocque) in 1972 Amateur Draft and future considerations (Tom Thurlby, September 1968), June 28, 1968.

January 30, 1969: Traded to Pittsburgh by Oakland with George Swarbrick and Tracy Pratt for Earl Ingarfield, Gene Ubriaco and Dick Mattiussi, January 30, 1969.

February 12, 1972: Selected by LA Sharks (WHA) in 1972 WHA General Player Draft, February 12, 1972.

January 17, 1974: Traded to St. Louis by Pittsburgh with Greg Polis and Pittsburgh's 2nd round choice (Bob Hess) in 1974 Amateur Draft for Steve Durbano, Ab DeMarco Jr. and Bob Kelly, January 17, 1974.

February 14, 1974: Traded to Detroit by St. Louis with Chris Evans and Jean Hamel for Ted Harris, Bill Collins and Garnet Bailey, February 14, 1974.

November 30, 1976: Traded to Washington by Detroit for Greg Joly, November 30, 1976.

March 2, 1979: Signed as a free agent by Cincinnati (WHA) following release by Washington, March 2, 1979.

June 9, 1979: Claimed by Edmonton from Cincinnati (WHA) in WHA Dispersal Draft, June 9, 1979.

Watson did manage his one Cup win with the 64-65 Canadiens. He earned a legacy from his hard nosed hockey

Very interesting bio on a player with the heart of a lion. I saw him play near the end of his career when his skills had diminished but his reputation was still intact. It's hard to imagine a guy so small by today's standard with limited skating ability playing defense in the NHL for 16 years.

"It's not the size of the dog in a fight but the size of the fight in the dog" seems to fit Watson in every way. He must have been quite a character. BTW, the Flyers had a d-man who was small in stature, not a great skater, not a fighter but was hard to play against, his name was also Watson(Joe).

[ewen21]

Excellent work Mags!

[Mox MOx]

Good Stuff, Maggie! Thank you!

[shaud19]

Never herd of the guy but great read.

[bigjack]

Brad Park and I hated him for years. One of my better memories was in Washington in 1978 when he made the mistake of going after Nick Fotiu and got his ass kicked. I knew somewhere Brad Park was smiling!

[Blouin]

Great bio history on him Maggie!
good job

[nighthawk]

Originally Posted by bigjack

I knew somewhere Brad Park was smiling!

As well as Vic Hadfield I would guess.

[bigjack]

Originally Posted by nighthawk

As well as Vic Hadfield I would guess.

Yeah that was true. Watson was a pric* for sure and wasn't called "super pest" for nothing.

[bigjack]

Originally Posted by hockey doc

Very interesting bio on a player with the heart of a lion. I saw him play near the end of his career when his skills had diminished but his reputation was still intact. It's hard to imagine a guy so small by today's standard with limited skating ability playing defense in the NHL for 16 years.

"It's not the size of the dog in a fight but the size of the fight in the dog" seems to fit Watson in every way. He must have been quite a character. BTW, the Flyers had a d-man who was small in stature, not a great skater, not a fighter but was hard to play against, his name was also Watson(Joe).

Joe Watson wasn't a dick however or dirty. Now his teammate Ed Van Impe, there was another story. A cheapshot like a Bugsy Watson was or a Dennis Hextall from that era!

[Maggie3and Me]

Originally Posted by bigjack

Brad Park and I hated him for years. One of my better memories was in Washington in 1978 when he made the mistake of going after Nick Fotiu and got his ass kicked. I knew somewhere Brad Park was smiling!

I never said that Watson was the smartest player in the league jack. lol

Thanks for making the point of why they called him "Bugsy".The idea of giving up 6" in height and 40 pounds to one of the toughest ever was not going to get Watson into Harvard. Then again size difference never stopped Watson in his career

I heard that a reporter asked him in an interview about Fotiu and some of the bigger guys he took on. Supposedly, his answer was something about anybody lacing them up were all the same size inside and if you were worried about somebody bigger than you, you didn't belong on the ice. I don't know how true that is, but, it is crazy enough to sound like him.

I wanted to post this to give a perspective of the size and fortitude of some of the old time hockey players. Back in our day, as you and I have said, players over 6 feet tall were really big. Personally, I disliked Watson and was happy every time he got his ass beat.

Having said that, he truly is a legend of hockey and no one can deny his
toughness.

[bigjack]

Originally Posted by Maggie3and Me

I never said that Watson was the smartest player in the league jack. lol

Thanks for making the point of why they called him "Bugsy".The idea of giving up 6" in height and 40 pounds to one of the toughest ever was not going to get Watson into Harvard. Then again size difference never stopped Watson in his career

I heard that a reporter asked him in an interview about Fotiu and some of the bigger guys he took on. Supposedly, his answer was something about anybody lacing them up were all the same size inside and if you were worried about somebody bigger than you, you didn't belong on the ice. I don't know how true that is, but, it is crazy enough to sound like him.

I wanted to post this to give a perspective of the size and fortitude of some of the old time hockey players. Back in our day, as you and I have said, players over 6 feet tall were really big. Personally, I disliked Watson and was happy every time he got his ass beat.

Having said that, he truly is a legend of hockey and no one can deny his
toughness.

Watson sure had guts and character for sure. To be limited skill wise and last as long as he did is very telling.
It's funny but Pittsburgh was never known as a tough team or goon squad like the Flyers and yet they had some of the biggest jackoffs ever in Bugsy Watson, Steve Durbano, Dave Schultz, Paul Baxter, Kim Clackson, Gary Rissling, and Marty McSorley. Anyone of these guys could just lose it and do something really cheap and dirty.

[Maggie3and Me]

Originally Posted by bigjack

Watson sure had guts and character for sure. To be limited skill wise and last as long as he did is very telling.
It's funny but Pittsburgh was never known as a tough team or goon squad like the Flyers and yet they had some of the biggest jackoffs ever in Bugsy Watson, Steve Durbano, Dave Schultz, Paul Baxter, Kim Clackson, Gary Rissling, and Marty McSorley. Anyone of these guys could just lose it and do something really cheap and dirty.

jack, I could not agree with you more especially in Durbano's case. What an ass. That was a group for sure.

I'm glad you said what you did about Watson's abilities. He was small, by no means a good skater, and was certainly not a scorer. He was much more than the Avery of his day, because he would drop em.

What you picked up on was the fact that he got the most out of what he had and it is amazing that he did last as long as he did.

Thanks, bigjack

[hockey doc]

Originally Posted by bigjack

Watson sure had guts and character for sure. To be limited skill wise and last as long as he did is very telling.
It's funny but Pittsburgh was never known as a tough team or goon squad like the Flyers and yet they had some of the biggest jackoffs ever in Bugsy Watson, Steve Durbano, Dave Schultz, Paul Baxter, Kim Clackson, Gary Rissling, and Marty McSorley. Anyone of these guys could just lose it and do something really cheap and dirty.

You missed Hextall and Battleship Kelly for the Pens. Also Schultzie didn't play that long for the Pens, I think it was half a season, and wasn't known to be a dirty player. How did a goon squad like the Flyers win two stanley cups in a row? Did they punch the puck into the net?

[Maggie3and Me]

Originally Posted by hockey doc

You missed Hextall and Battleship Kelly for the Pens. Also Schultzie didn't play that long for the Pens, I think it was half a season, and wasn't known to be a dirty player. How did a goon squad like the Flyers win two stanley cups in a row? Did they punch the puck into the net?

Doc, funny you should mention that. I did a little research and found some interesting facts.

The Flyer teams that won back to back Cups in 73-74 and 74-75 were called Goons.
The 73-74 club had 1740 PIM
The 74-75 club had 1953 PIM

These are a lot of minutes. However lets compare them to the Pens back to back Cup winners of 90-91 and 91-92. Both of teams were "skill" teams.

The 90-91 club had 1633 PIM
The 91-92 club had 1895 PIM

I see your point about punching the puck in the net.

Compare those minutes to the Wings who had 933 PIM last year and to the Ducks who had 1427 the year before that.