Bill Torrey

Background

Torrey was born in Montreal and raised near the Montreal Forum. He tried out for the Montreal Canadiens and attended St. Lawrence University on a hockey scholarship, but lost depth perception after being hit in the left eye with a stick.

He earned a degree in psychology and worked at a radio station in Barrie, Ontario, and as a tour guide for NBC at Rockefeller Center. He began his hockey executive career in the mid-1960s with the Pittsburgh Hornets of the American Hockey League, then became general manager of the Oakland Seals in 1969. After clashing with owner Charlie Finley, he left in 1971.

Torrey was named general manager of the expansion New York Islanders on February 15, 1972. He committed to building through the draft rather than trading for veterans, turning down a trade offer from Montreal's Sam Pollock for the first overall pick in 1973, which he used to select Denis Potvin. The Islanders finished last in their first two seasons, netting high draft picks. In 1977, coach Al Arbour persuaded Torrey to draft Mike Bossy over Dwight Foster.

Torrey also traded for Butch Goring in 1980. Under his leadership, the Islanders won four straight Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983 and 19 consecutive postseason series. After a rebuilding trade involving Pat LaFontaine in 1991–92, Torrey was forced to resign in 1992.

Torrey became president of the expansion Florida Panthers in 1993, building through young talent. The Panthers reached the 1996 Stanley Cup Final and made two more playoff appearances before his retirement in 2001. He remained as special advisor.