Hockey Heroes of the Past: Bill Mosienko

Welcome to another blog article, where I will be featuring Hockey Heroes of the Past. For now, I will be focusing on player who played between 1900-1970. Why that time period? Well, it is important to remember these pioneer's, that paved the way for current NHL superstars. Without these legends, who knows where our game would be. So I find it is essential that these Hockey Heroes get the recognition they deserve. Today we look at Bill Mosienko.

Bill Mosienko

Born: November 2nd, 1921

Birthplace: Winnipeg, MB

Height: 5ft8

Weight: 160 lbs

Position:RW

Teams: Chicago Blackhawks

Nickname: Wee Willie

NHL Career Stats:

GP: 711

G: 258

A: 282

Pts: 550

PIM: 121

***Awards***

-Lady Byng Memorial Trophy1944–45

-Second-Team All-Star:1944–45 and 1945–46

**Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1965***

-Bill Mosienko was one of the first Ukranian Canadian NHL stars. He had a small frame, but a heck of a shot. He even scored 3 goals in 21 seconds in a game against the New York Rangers in 1952. That is one record that will probably never be broken. It almost as though that record overshadows his great career. Mosienko was part of the "Pony Line" with the brothers Bentley, Max and Doug. They formed a terrific trio for the Blackhawks during the 1940's and 50's. Mosienko spent his entire 14 year career with the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks didn't have much success during those years, as Mosienko only played 22 career playoff games. However Mosienko still scored 258 goals during his career.

After the 1954-55 season, Bill returned home and along with NHLer Alf Pike, established professional hockey in Winnipeg by creating the Winnipeg Warriors of the Western Hockey League,After his hockey career ended, he operated Billy Mosienko Lanes, a bowling alley, for many years. There is even an arena in Winnipeg named after him. Mosienko died of cancer in Winnipeg in 1994 at the age of 72.