Former New York Islanders player and Assistant Coach Bill MacMillan passed away on Saturday. He was 80 years old.
MacMillan played 231 games for the Islanders over four season (1973-77), racking up 68 points (32G, 36A) over that span. MacMillan's four seasons with the Islanders marked the longest stint of his seven-year NHL career, which included 137 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs (1970-72) and 78 games with the Atlanta Flames (1972-73) after being taken by Atlanta in the 1972 Expansion Draft.
In total, MacMillan played 446 games during his NHL career, racking up 151 points (74G, 77A).
The New York Islanders are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player and Assistant Coach from the 1980 Cup team, Bill MacMillan. We extend our thoughts and prayers to the entire MacMillan family and friends. pic.twitter.com/gchV3aDb2s
, then the Islanders top affiliate in the Central Hockey League, in the 1977-78 season. MacMillan helped lead the Texans to the CHL championship, as well as the Jake Milford Trophy for the CHL's coach of the year, before making the full-time jump to coaching in 1978-79.
The Charlottetown, PEI, native won a Stanley Cup with the Islanders in 1980 as an Assistant Coach before becoming the Head Coach of the Colorado Rockies from 1980-82. MacMillan also holds the distinction of being the first Head Coach and General Manager in New Jersey Devils history, relocating with the team for the 1982-83 season. MacMillan served as the Devils Head Coach at the start of the following season.
Billy MacMillan was the first ever Head Coach in Devils history. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this time. https://t.co/M7KQVihzFK
Was also the 1st GM in team history. True story: @chicoreschNJD was MacMillan’s teammate w/the @NYIslanders & played for him in Colo. Chico was an FA when Colorado moved to NJ. Rangers wanted to sign him but friendship w/MacMillan won out. Chico signed w/NJ. The rest is history. https://t.co/cMrNeZyhzZ
