Overview
Bob Fillion (July 12, 1920 – August 13, 2015) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player best known for his time with the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League. He played seven seasons at the NHL level and was part of two Stanley Cup-winning teams in the 1940s. Fillion's career also included periods in other senior and minor pro leagues before and after his NHL tenure.
Playing career
Fillion broke into top-level hockey during an era shaped by the Second World War, when many rosters changed and opportunities arose for players from regional leagues. He spent the majority of his most prominent seasons with Montreal, contributing to team depth and postseason success. In addition to his NHL work, Fillion skated for clubs in other organized leagues, bringing veteran experience to both pro and senior teams.
Teams and honours
- Montreal Canadiens — seven NHL seasons; member of 1944 and 1946 Stanley Cup champions
- Buffalo Bisons (AHL) — time spent in the American Hockey League
- Sherbrooke Saints — played in the Quebec Senior Hockey League (QSHL)
Style and legacy
Contemporary accounts and later summaries describe players of Fillion's generation as durable, team-oriented competitors who often performed both offensive and defensive duties. While not always the most prominent star on the scoresheet, Fillion contributed to the collective play that powered Montreal to championships during the 1940s. Decades after retiring, he was remembered by teammates, fans, and local media as part of a storied Canadiens era.
Later life and death
After leaving top-level hockey, Fillion continued to be associated with the sport at a community level and lived a life outside the public spotlight. He died on August 13, 2015. At the time of his passing he was reported to be the last surviving member of Montreal's 1944 Stanley Cup team, a fact noted in obituaries and commemorations of that club.
Note: This article uses established facts about teams and championships and places those facts in broader historical context. For detailed statistics and game-by-game records, consult dedicated hockey archives and team histories via the linked resources above.