Former Calgary Flames scout and hockey legend Tom Webster has passed away at the age of 71, the club said Friday.
“Webby was one of the best hockey men that our game has ever seen and I am honoured to have known him,” Flames General Manager Brad Treliving said. “More importantly, Webby was even a better man.
“The intensity and energy that he exhibited for our game were matched by his compassion for all those he encountered in everyday life.”
Calgary fans best remember Webster for his work in signing current Flames captain Mark Giordano, as well as being a key player in drafting players like Sean Monahan, TJ Brodie, Sam Bennett and the late Mickey Renaud.
“Webby was truly a gentleman and wonderful person,” Flames director of amateur scouting Tod Button said. “He had a tremendous impact on our scouting staff and while he was a fiery competitor in our meetings, he also had a tremendous respect for other opinions.”
The Kirkland Lake, Ont.-born winger played only 102 games in the NHL with the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings and California Golden Seals, but went on to become a legendary player in the World Hockey Association.
Webster tallied 220 goals and 425 points in 352 games with the New England Whalers from 1972-1978, including an Avco World Trophy in 1973.
After hanging up the skates, he turned to coaching, manning the bench for both the New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings.
As the coach of the Kings, Webster was famously given a four-game suspension and fined $5,000 by the NHL for punching then-Flame Doug Gilmour during a game. Gilmour was suspended for two games and fined $500, while Joel Otto was also hit with a $500 fine for his role in the incident.
His long coaching resume also includes championships in the OHL, AHL and CHL. He was the head coach of Canada’s National Junior team in 1989.
Webster would join the Flames in 2003 after some convincing from Darryl Sutter, the General Manager at the time.
Webster retired permanently from hockey in 2014 – receiving a standing ovation at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center after announcing his final pick.
“His guidance, friendship and mentorship of so many people was punctuated by a never before seen standing ovation on the floor of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft upon the announcement of his retirement.,” Button added. “That moment was a testament to Webby and all the lives he had touched and how universally respected he was.”
“He played with Gordie Howe and coached Wayne Gretzky and his humble nature belies everything he accomplished. When you walked in to a rink with Tom “Hawkeye” Webster you had instant credibility. He will be sorely missed.”
Webster is survived by his daughter Stacy, son Brent and grandchildren.
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