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"The Architect" passes away |
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Bill Torrey, the Hall of Fame general manager of the New York Islanders has passed away at the age of 83.
Torrey was the Islanders first general manager and the architect of the four Stanley Cup winning teams. He was responsible for drafting Hall of Famers Denis Potvin, Bryan Trottier, Mike Bossy, Clark Gillies and Pat LaFontaine. Billy Smith was selected by Torrey in the 1972 expansion draft.
"Bill set the model for how to build a franchise with the leadership he instilled through his coaching staff, his innovative drafting methods and the trades he executed," Islanders president and general manager Garth Snow said. "He was a pioneer, who became a mentor and even better friend, to so many in the industry. The teams he constructed set records that may never be broken, including the four straight Stanley Cup Championships and 19 straight playoff series wins. On behalf of the entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to Bill's family."
After failing to reach the Stanley Cup Final in 1978 and 1979, Torrey traded for Butch Goring at the 1980 trade deadline. The move paid off as the Islanders won their first of four Stanley Cups and began a run of 19 straight playoff series wins.
Although he was forced to resign in 1992, Torrey was responsible for the 1992-93 team which upset the two-time defending champions Pittsburgh Penguins. Torrey traded, separate deals, LaFontaine and then captain Brent Sutter, and acquire Pierre Turgeon, Benoit Houge, Uwe Krupp and Steve Thomas.
Torrey was named president by the expansion Florida Panthers in 1993. Three years later, the team made the Stanley Cup Final.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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