Baldy Cotton

William Harold "Baldy" Cotton (November 5, 1902 - September 9, 1984) was a professional ice hockey player from Nanticoke, Ontario.

Playing Career
Cotton got his start in ice hockey with the junior Toronto Aura Lee, Toronto Maitlands, and Parkdale Canoe Club of the Ontario Hockey Association from 1919-23. Soon thereafter, Cotton moved to Pittsburgh where he attended DuQuesne University while also playing hockey for the Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets of the United States Amateur Hockey Association.

In 1925-26, Cotton began his 12-year NHL career in Pittsburgh with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He played 33 games that year, scoring seven goals and one assist. Cotton stayed four years in Pittsburgh before being sent to the Toronto Maple Leafs with eleven games remaining in the 1928-29 season. Cotton's best year in the NHL occurred in 1929-30 when he scored 21 goals and 38 points in 41 games.

He spent six years with the Maple Leafs, winning the Stanley Cup in 1932. Then he moved to the New York Americans where he played two seasons. Cotton retired in 1937 after spending part of the season with the minor pro New Haven Eagles.

In the NHL Cotton played in 503 games, scoring 101 goals and 103 assists. He also played in the Ace Bailey benefit All-Star game in 1934.

After retiring and spending some time as a radio commentator, Cotton became a scout, first with the Boston Bruins and then with the Minnesota North Stars. He is credited with discovering Bobby Orr in 1962.

Awards and Achievements

 * 1932 Stanley Cup Championship (Toronto)