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12/22/03 I couldn’t help but think by the time Bill Gadsby was 18 years old, he was already a starting defenseman in the NHL, banging bodies with 120 of the best hockey players in the world. Two decades later, he retired with honor and distinction and a resume of work reserved for only the rarest of talents. Most points, games, and penalty minutes for a defenseman, ever!… And, the most stitches too, 640 to be exact! But off the ice he was a Hall-of-Fame father, and husband. Married over 50 years to his wife Edna, he raised four daughters and considers this to be his greatest joy in his life. To those of us looking for balance, one need look no further than Bill Gadsby for inspiration. He managed to thrive in the toughest sport in the world, while excelling in the game of life as a devoted family man. Perhaps the most compelling part of Bill Gadsby’s story are the incredible obstacles he overcame in his life. At age 24 he came dangerously close to becoming permanently disabled by polio, and he was also on a ship in WW II that was torpedoed. The ship sank, but Gadsby survived. Through it all he persevered and in 1970 he was inducted into the NHL Hall-of-Fame, and in 1998, he was voted as one of the Top 100 NHL players of all time. At the tender age of 75 Bill Gadsby looks spry, fit as a fiddle, and strong. You’ll see him at Novi Hockey games, enjoying the action, and watching his grandson Alex Malott skate for the Wildcats. I never miss a chance to say hello, shake his hand, and feel the greatness. As I visited with him Friday night, I couldn’t help but think…he looks like he could still play! And as the Wildcats skated off with a 2-goal victory, I thought it might be appropriate that the official scorekeeper might credit Bill Gadsby with an assist. I know he’d be grateful.
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