University extends condolences on the passing of hockey great Billy MacMillan
The University community was saddened to learn of the death of Saint Dunstan’s University alumnus and former UPEI Men’s Hockey coach William "Billy" MacMillan, who achieved a level of sport success that few other Islanders have.
“On behalf of the University of Prince Edward Island, I extend condolences to the family, friends, teammates, and players of Billy MacMillan,” said interim UPEI president, Dr. Greg Keefe. “He was a proud Islander and SDU alumnus, and most importantly, a wonderful mentor and role model for generations of hockey players and PEI youth. He will be greatly missed.”
UPEI Men’s Hockey coach Forbes MacPherson recalled, “Long before it was the pond surrounding the par-3, number-7 hole at Fox Meadow Golf Course in Stratford, it was known as MacMillan’s Pond. As kids, we spent an endless number of hours skating and playing hockey on the farmhouse pond belonging to hockey legend Billy MacMillan’s family! It couldn’t be any more Canadian than that. Rest in peace, Billy Mac.”
MacMillan was a player on several provincial, regional, and national championship hockey teams, and earned both the coveted Olympic scroll and Stanley Cup ring during his career.
After being recruited to play at St. Michael's College in Toronto and enjoying a highly successful junior "A" run, MacMillan returned to Charlottetown to pursue his academic studies, leading the Saint Dunstan's Saints to the conference title and winning the scoring crown and the MVP award.
Next, he participated in four World Hockey Championships and won bronze at the 1968 Olympic Winter Games as part of the Father David Bauer-led national men’s hockey program. He then was signed to the Toronto Maple Leafs, scoring 22 goals in his rookie season. He later was on the coaching staff of several NHL teams and then returned home to his beloved PEI to coach the UPEI Panthers, guiding the men’s hockey squad to its last conference title in 1990–91.
MacMillan was inducted to the UPEI Sports Hall of Fame in 2017 along with fellow SDU hockey icons Vince Mulligan and the late Jack Kane Jr. and John “Jack” Hurry Kane Sr.
