Bill Needham

Who is Bill Needham?

Bill Needham is a retired professional ice hockey forward who played from 1952 - 1972, primarily in the American Hockey League. He holds a franchise record of most games played for the Cleveland Barons, a total of 981, where he spent 15 seasons of his career. In this span, Needham scored 62 goals and 246 assists. Needham has played for the following minor league teams during his career: Grand Rapids Rockets, Valleyfield Braves, Glace Bay Miners, New Westminster Royals, North Bay Trappers, Toledo Hornets and Cleveland Barons.

Needham assumed the role of Coach-Player for the 1971/72 Toledo Hornets, but suited up to play in less than half of their games that year. From 1972-1974 he was the Cleveland Crusaders head coach in the World Hockey Association Playoffs both years. These two years featured goaltender Gerry Cheevers' first two seasons in top-level hockey.