gold star for USAHOF

12. Bill Goldsworthy

12. Bill Goldsworthy

After three uneventful seasons with the Boston Bruins where he struggled to find playing time, Bill Goldsworthy first made heads turn in the 1967-68 post season where he led in Goals and Points.  Now a bona fide starter with the North Stars, Goldsworthy would net 30 or more Goals in six of seven seasons finishing as high as 48 in the 1973-74 campaign.  The four time All Star would become a fan favorite with his “Goldy Shuffle”, a celebration that he showcased after he scored a goal, essentially a precursor to the modern celebrations of today.

Sadly Goldsworthy would suffer from severe alcoholism and his promiscuous lifestyle led to him being the answer to the trivia question as the first NHL player to die from AIDS.  He was only 51, but lived long enough to see the team retire his number 8 in 1992.

The Bullet Points

  • Position: Right Wing
  • Acquired: Selected from the Boston Bruins in the Expansion Draft, 6/6/67.
  • Departed: Traded to the New York Rangers for Bill Fairbairn and Nick Beverley 11/11/76.
  • Games Played: 670
  • Notable Statistics: 267 Goals
    239 Assists
    506 Points
    711 PIM
    .76 PPG
    -83 Plus/Minus
    46.8 Point Shares

    40 Playoff Games
    18 Goals
    19 Assists
    37 Points
    30 PIM
    .91 PPG
    +4 Plus/Minus
  • Major Accolades and Awards: All Star (1970, 1972, 1974 & 1976)

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