Bill Flett

William Mayer Flett (July 21, 1943 – July 12, 1999) was a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger. He played parts of 11 seasons in the National Hockey

Bill Flett
Bill Flett
Born (1943-07-21)July 21, 1943
Vermilion, Alberta
Died July 12, 1999(1999-07-12) (aged 55)
Edmonton, Alberta
Height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight 195 lb (88 kg; 13 st 13 lb)
Position Right wing
Caught Right
Played for Los Angeles Kings
Philadelphia Flyers
Toronto Maple Leafs
Atlanta Flames
Edmonton Oilers
Playing career 1963–1980

William Mayer Flett (July 21, 1943 – July 12, 1999) was a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger. He played parts of 11 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Atlanta Flames, and Edmonton Oilers. He also played three seasons with the Edmonton Oilers when they were a part of the World Hockey Association (WHA). He was known by the nickname Cowboy.

Flett won the Stanley Cup with the Flyers in 1974.

Career

Before playing in the NHL, Flett played in a multitude of junior leagues with many different teams. After the 1967 NHL expansion took place, Flett was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the 1963 NHL amateur draft. He was known by the nickname "Cowboy" because he was also a rodeo performer and owned a cattle ranch. Kings owner Jack Kent Cooke did not like this and threatened to fine him $1,000 every time he performed so he stopped.[1] He also wore a full beard during his career. On October 14, 1967, Flett made his NHL debut in a 4–2 win against the Philadelphia Flyers. During the game, Flett also recorded his first NHL point, assisting on a Bob Wall goal.[2] On October 22, Flett scored his first goal in the NHL against Denis DeJordy in a 5–3 win against the Chicago Black Hawks.[3] On November 5, Flett recorded both his first NHL hat-trick and the first hat-trick in Kings franchise history in a 5–3 win against the Detroit Red Wings.[4]

On January 28, 1972, the Kings traded Flett along with Ross Lonsberry, Jean Potvin and Eddie Joyal to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Serge Bernier, Bill Lesuk and Jim Johnson.[5] During his time with the Flyers, he had his best season. He set a career-high with 43 goals. He helped the Flyers during the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Flyers went on to defeat the Atlanta Flames and New York Rangers before finally defeating the Boston Bruins four games to two in the Stanley Cup Final and winning the Stanley Cup.[6]

On May 27, 1974, the Flyers traded Flett to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Randy Osburn and Dave Fortier.[7] During his one season with the Maple Leafs, Flett scored 15 goals and recorded 25 assists. He was then waived by the Leafs after the season was finished.

Flett was picked up off waivers by the Atlanta Flames.[8] He played a season and a half with the Flames, scoring 27 goals and recording 21 assists.

He was later sold to the Edmonton Oilers of the World Hockey Association (WHA) and re-entered the NHL when the Oilers joined but only played 20 games. He decided to retire from playing professional ice hockey in 1980.

Personal life

During he course of his life, Flett battled alcoholism. He credits Oilers owner Peter Pocklington and Glen Sather for helping him beat his addiction.[4]

In May 1999, he went the hospital because of liver failure. Flett was given a liver transplant but died on July 12, 1999 after his body rejected it.[9]

References

  1. ↑ "Stanley Cup Playoffs: Tickets Worth King's Ransom as Hockey's Popularity Soars". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  2. ↑ "Philadelphia Flyers vs. Los Angeles Kings Box Score: October 14, 1967". hockey-reference. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  3. ↑ "Los Angeles Kings vs. Chicago Black Hawks Box Score: October 22, 1967". hockey-reference. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "A Cowboy Hat Trick: The First One in Kings' History Was Scored By Colorful Bill Flett, a One-Time Calf Roper Who Only Recently Stopped Celebrating". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  5. ↑ "One For the Ages: "Cowboy" Bill Flett's 1972-73 NHL Season". The Hockey Writers. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Flyers Capture Stanley Cup by Beating Bruins, 1‐Flyers Ca? Championship First For an Expansion Club in N.H.L." The New York Times. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  7. ↑ "9 best "one-hit wonders" in Toronto Maple Leafs history". Daily Hive. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  8. ↑ "Atlanta Claims Flett For $100 Waiver Tab". The Hockey News. Retrieved August 29, 2025.[permanent dead link]
  9. ↑ "Original King Flett Dies at 55". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 29, 2025.

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