bill TORREY

Bill Torrey, 38, an Executive Vice President with the California Golden Seals, is named the team’s first General Manager. Torrey is responsible for overseeing the team’s first 1972 Amateur Draft and Expansion Draft.

Torrey acquires Butch Goring at the 1980 trade deadline, sending his first-ever draft pick, right wing Billy Harris, and defenseman Dave Lewis to LA. The Islanders go 8-0-4 after the trade and win the first of four-straight Stanley Cups.

A mere eight years after entering the league, the Islanders win their first Stanley Cup, beating the Philadelphia Flyers in six games in the 1980 Final.

Bill Torrey is inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995 in the builder category. Under Torrey, the Islanders won four Stanley Cups, an NHL record 19-straight playoff series and posted 14 consecutive winning seasons from 1974-88.

Torrey’s banner is raised at Nassau Coliseum to commemorate his tremendous success and his lasting impact on the team. His banner features his signature bowtie and also pays tribute to Torrey’s nickname, “The Architect.”