Happy Birthday: Bill Lesuk

Bill Lesuk, Winnipeg Jets

While Bobby Hull and the amazing Swedes were the face of the Winnipeg jets, the team also had a great crew of underappreciated grinders, who effectively provided them with grit, muscle and hard-nosed play. One such player was Billy Lesuk a proven NHL veteran who could score 15-17 goals each year, but was barely noticed among the superstar Jets cast.

He joined the jets in 1975-76 season and appeared in the Avco Cup finals every year, winning three championships. He then enjoyed a long a successful scouting career with Winnipeg, Chicago and Boston.

Also, when your friends ask, "who played on both the 1970 Bruins Stanley Cup team and a Winnipeg Jets Avco Cup team"? Be sure to answer Bill Lesuk, not Ted Green.

And if you see Bill today, wish him a happy WHA birthday.