Juzda, Bill

Date of Death: 2008-02-17
Date of Birth: 1920-10-29

Born in Winnipeg, this defenceman possessed one of the best hip checks in hockey, earning him the nickname "The Beast." He played junior with both Elmwood and Kenora in 1939-40 when the Thistles lost the Memorial Cup to the Oshawa Generals. He turned pro with the New York Rangers in 1940 and then served with the Canadian Forces in World War II. In 1948 the New York Rangers traded him to Toronto where he played on the 1949 and 1951 Stanley Cup winners. Bill Juzda returned to Winnipeg to coach junior and senior hockey and play with the Winnipeg Maroons.