St. Lawrence University honored Brian McFarlane ’55 and Bill Torrey ’57 as the inaugural “Legends of Appleton” prior to their men’s hockey game Saturday.
The Legends of Appleton is a recognition program launched by the University in the fall of 2017 to celebrate the storied history and tradition of the ice hockey programs, specifically those who helped “build” the hockey tradition at St. Lawrence through their play, commitment and impact on the programs and on the hockey world.
Brian McFarlane is the only 100-plus goal scorer in St. Lawrence men’s hockey history and finished his career with 10 hat tricks and three five-goal games. He had a 31-year career first as a member of the production crew and then, most notably, as both a color commentator and program host for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s “Hockey Night in Canada,” with additional time doing color with both CBS and NBC.
Additionally, Brian played as a member of the NHL Old-Timers for 25 years with teammates such as Maurice “Rocket” Richard, Norm Ullman and Bob Baun. A published author, he has written more than 90 books of fiction and non-fiction devoted to hockey and has established himself as the game’s pre-eminent historian.
In 1995 Brian was awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in recognition of his broadcasting career by the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Bill Torrey played on the St. Lawrence hockey teams in 1954-55 and 1955-56 and became involved in management at the professional level following his graduation in 1957. He was hired as the general manager of the NHL’s New York Islanders in 1972 and established a dynasty in the early ’80s, with four consecutive Stanley Cup victories from 1980-1983, as well 14 straight winning seasons.
In 1993 Bill was named president of the Florida Panthers, an expansion team based in the Miami area. Once again, he built a contender with astute draft choices, and in three years the Panthers were in the Stanley Cup finals. Remembered for his bow ties, Bill retired from active management in 2001.
In Islander territory today he is revered, and known as “The Architect.” He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 1995.
As alumni of one of the most storied Division I Ice Hockey programs in the nation, both Brian and Bill represent the most elite and well-respected hockey alumni the St. Lawrence program has produced.
