Islanders dynasty architect, 1st Panthers president Bill Torrey dies
Legendary former New York Islanders general manager and Florida Panthers president Bill Torrey died Wednesday night at the age of 83.
He passed away at his home in Florida, the NHL confirmed Thursday afternoon.
Torrey was the architect of the Islanders' four consecutive Stanley Cup championships in the early 1980s and later helped build the Panthers into instant contenders in the following decade.
"It is no wonder that he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and was the recipient of a Lester Patrick Award," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement Thursday.
"From his iconic bow tie, retired by the Islanders organization, to his devilish sense of humor, he truly was one of a kind," Bettman continued. "He grew up in close proximity to NHL greatness, near the Montreal Forum, where his passion for the game at all levels developed at an early age. He attended as many games as he could in junior rinks, where he was as at home as at an NHL Board of Governors meeting - and his counsel was sought out at both.
"On a personal level, Bill was a close and cherished friend and a great source of counsel. I will miss his wit, wisdom and warmth."
Torrey became the Islanders' first employee in 1972 and spent 21 years with the franchise, including 20 as GM and alternate governor.
"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," current Islanders president and GM Garth Snow said Thursday.
"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."
Torrey was named president of the expansion Panthers in 1993 and helped them reach the Cup Final three years later. He retired in 2001.
Panthers owner Vincent Viola said Thursday that he was heartbroken to hear of Torrey's passing, offered condolences to the family, and said it was an honor to work with him, while current President GM Dale Tallon also expressed his thoughts on one of modern hockey's most influential figures.
"Bill was a giant of our game," Tallon said. "He was the architect of a dynasty, a Hockey Hall of Famer and most importantly, a committed family man. I'm heartbroken by the news of his passing. Bill was a mentor and a dear friend who was instrumental in bringing me to South Florida to work alongside him.
"He was a wonderful person who never lost his passion for the game and loved being at the rink," Tallon continued. "I am proud to have worked with him and I will always be grateful for his support and friendship. He was a legend and the original Panther. I send my deepest condolences to his family and many friends. Bill's tremendous legacy will never be forgotten."
Torrey was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995 and received the Lester Patrick Award for outstanding service to the hockey community in 1983.