Bill Huard

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Bill John Huard (b. June 24, 1967 in Welland, Ontario) is a former professional ice hockey player. Despite never being drafted, Huard had a long professional career, including time at the NHL level with the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, Quebec Nordiques, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings.

Huard played three seasons of junior with the Peterborough Petes of the OHL, during which time he improved considerably, displaying both toughness and scoring ability. After completing his junior eligibility, he signed as a free agent with the Carolina Thunderbirds of the ECHL. His time there caught the attention of the New Jersey Devils, who signed him to play with their farm club, the Utica Devils of the AHL.

Although Huard didn't make the NHL with the Devils, his time in the AHL convinced the Boston Bruins to sign him, and it was during his single season with the Bruins that he got his first NHL action in. After playing only two games at the NHL level with the Bruins, Huard signed with Ottawa, and spent the next next five seasons in the NHL, with the Senators, Nordiques, Stars and Oilers.

Although Huard briefly showed scoring ability at the NHL level, his time there was mostly spent as an enforcer, and his penalty minutes consistently outpaced his point production. Huard played his last game with the Los Angeles Kings (although he was traded to the expansion Atlanta Thrashers franchise, he only played for their farm club). He finished his professional career in Britain, playing for the London Knights.

After just two games, Huard's girlfriend, who was seven months pregnant, had a medical scare, and returned to Canada with Huard to see their family doctor. Huard had played his last professional game.

[edit] Transactions

October 1, 1989 - Huard signs with New Jersey
December 4, 1992 - Huard signs with Boston
June 30, 1993 - Huard signs with Ottawa
April 7, 1995 - Ottawa trades Huard to Quebec for the rights to Mika Stromberg and a 4th round pick in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft
July 1, 1995 - Quebec transfers Huard to Colorado after franchise relocation
October 2, 1995 - Dallas claims Huard from Colorado in NHL Waiver Draft
July 22, 1997 - Huard signs with Edmonton
January 23, 1999 - Huard signs with Houston Aeros of the IHL
July 19, 1999 - Huard signs with Los Angeles
January 25, 2000 - Los Angeles trades Huard to Atlanta for future considerations
September 28, 2000 - Huard signs with London (Britain)
October 4, 2000 - Huard is granted a leave of absence from London for personal reasons

[edit] Quotes

"I told my wife she can only shop at Mac’s Milk. I told her we didn’t need much food in the fridge." - Huard, in November 1998, on the likelihood of his being traded