Bill Army

Bill Army was born in East Providence on September 11, 1957. He is a member of one of Rhode Island’s most famous hockey Hall of Fame families, a grandson of legendary RI Reds’ trainer, George Army, and son of former Providence College team captain and star, Tom Army. He is the younger brother of former Wesleyan star forward, Tom Army, Jr. and the older brother of former Friar captain, All-American, and NHL coach, Tim Army.

Bill was a 3-time All-State forward selection at East Providence High School where he led his Townies to both RI state and NE Championships before accepting a scholarship to play with the Boston College Eagles. There he centered one of BC’s all-time scoring lines, including future NHL great Joe Mullen. Bill, himself, would score 64 goals and 164 points over his NCAA career and earn First-Team All-America honors in 1980.

After graduation, Bill signed on with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League, where he tallied 4 goals and 7 assists during his time with the Amerks. He later skated with the Port Huron Flags of the International Hockey League (IHL), netting 11 goals and 18 assists during the 1980-81 season.

Bill wrapped up his professional career the following year skating for the Flint Generals of the IHL, scoring 7 goals and 6 assists in 13 games.

After his playing days, Bill began a lifelong career as an educator, first at the prestigious Fessenden School, not far from Chestnut Hill. There, Bill also coached the school’s hockey team throughout his six years on the faculty, during which time he became the school’s Athletic Director.

In 1988, Bill was lured to the Pomfret School in Pomfret, CT, where he coached a number of world-class players in the Griffins’ heralded hockey program alongside former Burrillville and Brown University great, Don Eccleston. After Don’s sad passing in 1994, Bill also assumed the head coaching duties on the Pomfret JV team.

Bill, who played in the inaugural Hockey Night in Boston Summer Showcase, began a 4-year stint in 1986 as a coach and recruiter for that nationally recognized tournament still running after 50+ years. When his brother, Tim, took over the head coaching reigns at Providence College, Bill assisted him as an instructor at his Schneider Arena hockey schools.