Reactions came from far and wide as news of the passing of Billy Torrey spread on Thursday. The man responsible for putting together the Islanders 1980s dynasty teams passed away on Wednesday evening at his home in Florida.
[lawrence-related id=812991]The NHL announced Torrey’s passing in a prepared statement from commissioner Gary Bettman on Thursday afternoon. Torrey was 83 when he died.
Since the news broke, messages of condolences and stories about the hall of fame hockey executive have flooded social media. Torrey’s success in building winning teams on the ice and his friendly demeanor away from it has made him an icon in the hockey world.
“There’s been a lot of wonderful times with Bill between 1973 and this morning,” Dennis Potvin told NHL.com.
Glad I had the chance to meet Bill Torrey. The hockey community lost a great one today. #RIPBillTorrey pic.twitter.com/MNkcvGzNKM
— Brendan Burke (@brendanmburke) May 3, 2018
Sad to hear the passing of “The Architect” Bill Torrey. He established the identity, foundation and championship pedigree of the @NYIslanders. #RIPBillTorrey
— John Tavares (@91Tavares) May 3, 2018
A hockey legend passed away today. Worked with Bill Torrey and Bryan Murray at the same time. How lucky was I .. RIP Bill.
— Doug Maclean (@DougMaclean) May 3, 2018
Very sad to learn of the passing of Bill Torrey, an NHL icon by any standard. Bill gave me my first job in the NHL in 1980. I was lucky to be able to watch and learn from Torrey & Radar at NYI. Thank you Bill, heaven just got a wonderful man. RIP pic.twitter.com/8mXbVJLowj
— Neil Smith (@NYCNeil) May 3, 2018
Mr Torrey traded for me, gave me the opportunity for the best years of my career #ripGM pic.twitter.com/1gMm1hmRbV
— Ray Ferraro (@rayferraro21) May 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/GlobeKPD/status/992148697600417792
Talked often with Bill Torrey during my days as Isles beat man, 1983-'85, on NYT staff. Great gent, fun quote.
— Kevin Paul Dupont (@GlobeKPD) May 3, 2018
About 14 years ago in Sunrise, I got into an elevator to the press box with two occupants: Bill Torrey and Al Arbour. Spent the ride thanking them for all the thrills their teams had given me. Saw Bill in Bklyn during 16 playoffs; glad I had a chance to say again. RIP. #Isles
— Eric Hornick (@ehornick) May 3, 2018
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