W. D. “Bill” Hunter

Hockey Builder - Inducted 1988

"Bill" Hunter, otherwise known as "Wild" Bill Hunter has a relentless and passionate vision of hockey. He was instrumental in establishing major professional hockey teams in Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Quebec City. He propelled the creation of the World Hockey Association in 1972 which ultimately led to the construction of the Edmonton Northlands Coliseum. He was involved with the formation of the Edmonton Oilers, of the National Hockey League, which won Alberta's first coveted Stanley Cup in 1984. Prior to his involvement with professional hockey, "Bill" Hunter founded the Western Canada Junior Hockey League and the Canadian Major Junior Hockey League. From 1973 to 1976, he took a sabbatical from junior hockey, to establish the Edmonton Oilers of the now-defunct World Hockey Association. "Wild" Bill Hunter personifies perseverance, motivation, and leadership.

After Induction