A former impact player with the Soo Greyhounds and Lake Superior State Lakers has died.
Billy Slewidge, one of a number of players that played for both programs over the years before the Greyhounds joined the Ontario Hockey League, died unexpectedly on Father’s Day.
He was 72.
Slewidge is well-known by many in local hockey circle.
As a member of the Soo Greyhounds while the franchise was a part of the Northern Ontario junior league in the late 1960s, Slewidge was named the league’s top defenceman in the 1968-69 season.
Slewidge’s hockey career also saw him have an impact while patrolling the blueline for Lake Superior State University after his time with the Greyhounds.
Slewidge joined Lake State in the program’s early days in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association in the early 1970s and his impact on the program in those early days. wasn’t forgotten
In 2001, the University inducted the 1971-72 Lakers hockey team into its hall of fame, a team that Slewidge was an integral part of as it won the school’s first national championship in hockey.
The following year, Slewidge was inducted into the hall as well thanks to a playing career at Lake State that was record-setting at the time.
Slewidge played at Lake State from 1971 to 1974, winning a pair of national championships in the process.
He was a three-time NAIA all-American (1972, 1973, and 1974) while also earning all-CCHA first team honours in 1973 and all-CCHA second team honours in 1974.
Slewidge set LSSU records for career goals by a defenceman with 52 and established a Lake State records for single-season assists with 36 in 1973.
Slewidge will be remembered by his wife of 47 years, Charlene, and his children, Carrissa Messenger (John) and Wesley Slewidge (Britt).
Per his wishes, a private family service will be held.
A come-and-go celebration of life is being held on June 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Machine Shop.