Hall of Fame Hockey Executive. The nephew of legendary player Eddie Shore, he began his lengthy association with the sport as an amateur player, but a back injury while serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, forced him to end his playing career. Following his return home, he joined the New Haven Eagles of the American Hockey League (operated by Eddie Shore), and served at various capacities including public relations executive and part-time trainer. For a period of time, Butterfield held positions in the United States Hockey League and Pacific Coast Hockey League, before returning to the AHL, where he served as coach and general manager of the Springfield Indians. He was their general manager when they captured three consecutive Calder Cup Championships (1960 to 1961), becoming the only GM in AHL history to accomplish this feat. In 1966, he became president of the AHL and remained at that capacity until 1994. During his tenure, Butterfield was credited with securing the league's existence by restructuring the Joint Affiliation Agreement with the NHL, which allowed the AHL to continue as a developmental league for the NHL. In 1980, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder. In 1984 the Calder Cup MVP Award was renamed in his honor, and one year later he was recipient of the Lester Patrick Award for outstanding service to hockey in the US.
Hall of Fame Hockey Executive. The nephew of legendary player Eddie Shore, he began his lengthy association with the sport as an amateur player, but a back injury while serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, forced him to end his playing career. Following his return home, he joined the New Haven Eagles of the American Hockey League (operated by Eddie Shore), and served at various capacities including public relations executive and part-time trainer. For a period of time, Butterfield held positions in the United States Hockey League and Pacific Coast Hockey League, before returning to the AHL, where he served as coach and general manager of the Springfield Indians. He was their general manager when they captured three consecutive Calder Cup Championships (1960 to 1961), becoming the only GM in AHL history to accomplish this feat. In 1966, he became president of the AHL and remained at that capacity until 1994. During his tenure, Butterfield was credited with securing the league's existence by restructuring the Joint Affiliation Agreement with the NHL, which allowed the AHL to continue as a developmental league for the NHL. In 1980, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder. In 1984 the Calder Cup MVP Award was renamed in his honor, and one year later he was recipient of the Lester Patrick Award for outstanding service to hockey in the US.
Bio by: C.S.
Family Members
Advertisement
See more Butterfield memorials in:
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
