Veteran New Jersey Devils scout Les ‘Doc’ Widdifield dead at 86 –NHL News Update
New Jersey Devils lost a long time companion who during his 25 year plus career with the franchise has provided the team with a number of talented players. Les ‘Doc’ Widdifield died in his hometown of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada on Monday, August 29,
2011, at the age of 86.
The senior scout was working with the organisation since 1986 when he joined after being referred by his good friend, Max McNab, who was also New Jersey Devils general manager at the time.
Current franchise general manager, Lou Lamoriello, was also very close to the deceased and released the following heartfelt statement.
"The entire New Jersey Devils organization is saddened by the loss of Les Widdifield", said Devils General Manager Lou Lamoriello. "Les was a caring, family man who devoted his life to his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was part
of the Devils' family for a long time, and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Twyla, and the entire Widdifield family".
Still working with the organisation, Widdifield was regarded as a man with a keen eye for spotting talent in a sea of players and often made the decisions which contradicted to those of other scouts, but when tested, they were termed as much better than
expected.
Widdifield was also part of the club when they won all three of their Stanley Cup championships and was praised throughout for his valuable selections in the Western side of scouting. The Stanley Cup rings which were awarded to him were given by him to three
of his grandchildren.
Les Widdifield will be laid to rest on Friday, September 2, in his hometown, where close friends and family are expected to attend, along with a number of dignitaries from the hockey world. New Jersey Devils might never be the same in regards to recruiting
top level players from different areas as it will certainly be a tough task for them to find a person as capable to fill his shoes.
Having spent so much time in the league, the ‘Doc’ will not be forgotten anytime soon.
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