Bill Masterton

William John Masterton (August 13, 1938 – January 15, 1968) was a Canadian American professional ice hockey center who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Minnesota North Stars from 1967–68. He is the only player in NHL history to die as a direct result of injuries suffered during a game, the result of head injuries suffered following a hit during a January 13, 1968, contest against the Oakland Seals. A college standout NCAA, the NHL's 1967 expansion offered an opportunity to play for the newly founded North Stars, for whom he scored the first goal in the franchise's history. His death sparked a long-running debate in hockey about the merits of wearing helmets and it was 11 years before the NHL made them compulsory beginning in the 1979–80 season. In his memory, the NHL created the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy which has been awarded since 1968. The North Stars retired his jersey number 19, an honor that followed the franchise when it relocated to Dallas, Texas.