The American Hockey League joins the entire hockey community in mourning the loss of Bill Torrey, who passed away Wednesday at the age of 83.
A member of the Florida Panthers organization since the club’s inception in 1993 and most recently a special advisor to the GM and alternate governor, Mr. Torrey had also served on the Executive Committee of the AHL Board of Governors for the past 20 years and on the AHL Hall of Fame selection committee since 2006.
“Bill Torrey has been active with the American Hockey League throughout his illustrious Hall of Fame career as an NHL executive,” said AHL President and Chief Executive Officer David Andrews. “I will miss him as a friend and I will be forever grateful for his advice and mentorship. Our most sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
Mr. Torrey began his front-office hockey career as publicity director for the American Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Hornets in 1961. He later joined the NHL’s Oakland Seals and eventually the New York Islanders, where his 20 years as general manager included six division titles, five consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances and four straight championships from 1980-83.
