Barry Ashbee

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Position	Defense
Shot	Right
Height Weight	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 180 lb (82 kg)
Pro Clubs	Boston Bruins Philadelphia Flyers
Nationality	Canada
Born	July 28, 1939, Weston, ON, CAN
Died	May 12, 1977,
Pro Career	1962 – 1974

William Barry Ashbee (July 28, 1939 – May 12, 1977) was a professional ice hockey defenceman who played five seasons in the National Hockey League.

[edit] Playing career

Born in Weston, Ontario, Canada, Ashbee played his junior hockey with the Barrie Flyers in the Ontario Hockey Association, started his professional career by playing eight seasons with the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League, although he did play 14 games with the Boston Bruins of the NHL during the 1965-66 season. However, he became an NHL regular with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1970-71, and soon became one of their best defenseman. In fact, he was named to the NHL Second All-Star team and won a Stanley Cup with the team during the 1973-74 season, and had a +52 plus/minus rating during the regular season. However, his career also ended that year during the playoffs against the New York Rangers due to a severe eye injury.

[edit] Retirement

Ashbee became an assistant coach with the team the next season, and initially declined the job because he thought it was offered to him just out of sympathy. His number 4 was retired by the Flyers during that season as well. However Ashbee was told that he had leukemia in April, 1977, and he died the next month. The Barry Ashbee Trophy is now awarded each season to the best defenseman for the Flyers.