Phil Watson

Phil Watson
Watson in 1939
Born	(1914-04-24)April 24, 1914 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Died	February 1, 1991(1991-02-01) (aged 76) Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Height	5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight	165 lb (75 kg; 11 st 11 lb)
Position	Right wing
Shot	Right
Played for	Montreal Canadiens New York Rangers
Playing career	1935–1948

Joseph Philippe Henri Watson (April 24, 1914 — February 1, 1991) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player and coach in the National Hockey League. He played for the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers between 1936 and 1948, and coached the Rangers from 1955 to 1960 and the Boston Bruins from 1961 to 1963. He was born in Montreal, Quebec.

Coaching career

Watson coached hockey after retiring as a player. He was head coach of:

• New York Rovers QSHL/EAHL 1948–1951
• Quebec Citadelles QJHL 1951–1955
• New York Rangers NHL 1955–56 and 1959–60
• Providence Reds AHL 1960–1961
• Boston Bruins NHL 1961–1963
• Buffalo Bisons AHL 1964–1966
• Quebec Aces AHL 1966–1967
• Chicoutimi Saguenéens QPSHL 1968–69
• Sorel Éperviers QJHL 1969–70
• Syracuse Blazers EHL 1970–71
• Philadelphia Blazers WHA 1972-73

While coaching the Quebec Citadelles during the 1953 Quebec Junior Hockey League playoffs final versus the Montreal Junior Canadiens, Watson was involved in a physical altercation with spectators following a last-minute game-winning goal by Montreal. The league suspended Watson for one game and required his team to post a $500 good behaviour bond. Instead of resuming the series, the Citadelles withdrew from the Quebec Amateur Hockey Association, and were reinstated by the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association to partake in the 1953 Memorial Cup playoffs.

Awards and achievements

• 1940 Stanley Cup Final champion (New York Rangers)
• 1944 Stanley Cup Final champion (Montreal Canadiens)

Personal life

He married a model named Helen Anderson on March 29, 1939 in New York.^{[better source needed]}

Legacy

In the 2009 book 100 Ranger Greats, Watson was ranked No. 76 all-time of the 901 New York Rangers who had played during the team's first 82 seasons.

Career statistics

Coaching record