# Gregg Pilling
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{{Short description|Canadian ice hockey player and coach (born 1943)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=May 2018}}
{{Infobox ice hockey biography
| name = Gregg Pilling
| image = Gregg Pilling 1976 77 Firebirds.jpg
| caption = Pilling and the Lockhart Cup in 1976
| alt = Middle-aged man dressed in a grey suit sitting behind a large trophy in a hockey team photo
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1943|09|25}}
| birth_place = [Lethbridge](/source/Lethbridge), [Alberta](/source/Alberta), Canada
| height_ft = 5
| height_in = 10
| weight_lb = 180
| position = [Right wing](/source/Winger_(ice_hockey))
| shoots = Right
| played_for = [Memphis Wings](/source/Memphis_Wings)
[Buffalo Bisons](/source/Buffalo_Bisons_(AHL))
[Omaha Knights](/source/Omaha_Knights_(1966%E2%80%931975))
[Charlotte Checkers](/source/Charlotte_Checkers_(1956%E2%80%931977))
[Suncoast Suns](/source/Suncoast_Suns)
[Roanoke Valley Rebels](/source/Roanoke_Valley_Rebels)
[Philadelphia Firebirds](/source/Philadelphia_Firebirds)
| coached_for = [Roanoke Valley Rebels](/source/Roanoke_Valley_Rebels)
[Philadelphia Firebirds](/source/Philadelphia_Firebirds)
[Fort Wayne Komets](/source/Fort_Wayne_Komets)
[Regina Pats](/source/Regina_Pats)
[Toledo Goaldiggers](/source/Toledo_Goaldiggers)
[Sherwood Park Crusaders](/source/Sherwood_Park_Crusaders)
| career_start = 1964
| career_end = 1976
| career_start_coach = 1972
| career_end_coach = 1981
}}
'''Gregg Pilling''' (born September 25, 1943) is a Canadian former professional [ice hockey](/source/ice_hockey) player and coach. He was named coach of the year by the [International Hockey League](/source/International_Hockey_League_(1945%E2%80%932001)) in 1977–78 season, after he led the [Fort Wayne Komets](/source/Fort_Wayne_Komets) to the [Fred A. Huber Trophy](/source/Fred_A._Huber_Trophy) as the regular season champions. He also won coach of the year awards in [Southern Hockey League](/source/Southern_Hockey_League_(1973%E2%80%931977)), and [North American Hockey League](/source/North_American_Hockey_League_(1973%E2%80%931977)), while guiding the [Roanoke Valley Rebels](/source/Roanoke_Valley_Rebels) and the [Philadelphia Firebirds](/source/Philadelphia_Firebirds) to league championships. Pilling made headlines as a coach for his colourful in-game protests and multiple ejections. Prior to coaching, he had a brief playing career, including a [1963 Memorial Cup](/source/1963_Memorial_Cup) championship with the [Edmonton Oil Kings](/source/Edmonton_Oil_Kings_(WCHL)), and was voted the most valuable player in his final full season as a player.
==Playing career==
Gregg Pilling was born on September 25, 1943, in [Lethbridge](/source/Lethbridge), [Alberta](/source/Alberta).[{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=10587|title=Gregg Pilling hockey statistics and profile|website=hockeydb.com|access-date=April 4, 2018}}][{{cite web|url=http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=297250|title=Gregg Pilling|website=Eliteprospects.com|access-date=April 4, 2018}}] He began his playing career with the Lethbridge Native Sons, and then played in the [Big 6 Hockey League](/source/Big_6_Hockey_League), before joining the [Edmonton Oil Kings](/source/Edmonton_Oil_Kings_(WCHL)).[{{cite news|title=Gregg Pilling|newspaper=Medicine Hat News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|last=Bremner|first=Rolland|date=August 29, 1978|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-aug-29-1978-629024/}}][{{cite news|title=Interesting year|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|last=Sullivan|first=Pat|date=June 8, 1978|page=29|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-08-1978-629047/}}] He was a member of the [1963 Memorial Cup](/source/1963_Memorial_Cup) champion Edmonton team coached by [Russ Brayshaw](/source/Russ_Brayshaw), that included future NHL coaches [Glen Sather](/source/Glen_Sather), [Pat Quinn](/source/Pat_Quinn_(ice_hockey)), and [Bert Marshall](/source/Bert_Marshall).[{{cite web|url=http://oilkings.ca/hall-of-famers/|title=Hall Of Famers|date=February 12, 2009|website=Edmonton Oil Kings|access-date=April 4, 2018}}][{{cite web|url=http://edmontonsun.com/2013/04/16/team-alumnus-gregg-pillling--says-memorial-cup-champion-1963-edmonton-oil-kings-still-a-tight-bunch/wcm/3903c35f-f69b-4a53-a403-344aa2b33e26|title=Team alumnus Gregg Pillling says Memorial Cup champion 1963 Edmonton Oil Kings still a tight bunch|last=Greig|first=Murray|date=April 17, 2013 |website=Edmonton Sun|access-date=April 4, 2018}}] Pilling admits that he had a reputation as a vicious junior player.[{{cite news|title=A promoter is patrolling behind the Regina bench|newspaper=Brandon Sun|location=Brandon, Manitoba|date=September 19, 1978|page=6|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-19-1978-629012/}}] He was also described as hard, tough, fiery, and creating fireworks on ice.[{{cite news|title=Wheaties add to Pilling's frustrations|newspaper=Brandon Sun|location=Brandon, Manitoba|date=January 8, 1979|page=6|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-08-1979-635619/}}][{{cite news|title=Sully Says|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|last=Sullivan|first=Pat|date=January 4, 1969|page=10|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-04-1969-635633/}}]
Pilling began playing professional hockey when he signed with [Detroit Red Wings](/source/Detroit_Red_Wings) organization, and was assigned to the [Memphis Wings](/source/Memphis_Wings).[{{cite news|title=A letter from Zorro Pilling|newspaper=Medicine Hat News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|last=Johnson|first=Phil|date=February 12, 1971|page=5|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-12-1971-629732/}}]
Pilling moved up to the [Eastern Hockey League](/source/Eastern_Hockey_League) in 1970–71, playing with the [Charlotte Checkers](/source/Charlotte_Checkers_(1956%E2%80%931977)). He scored 25 goals, 63 points, and earned 142 penalty minutes, for the regular season Walker Cup champions.[{{cite book|last=Mancuso|first=Jim|title=Hockey in Charlotte|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|date=2005 |location=Charleston, South Carolina|pages=1970–71|language=English|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pZevk5ORJTsC&q=%22Gregg+Pilling%22+hockey&pg=PT94|isbn=0-7385-4230-X}}] Charlotte were also playoff champions, winning the Atlantic City Boardwalk Trophy. He briefly spent time coaching in [Switzerland](/source/Switzerland), then returned to play with the [Suncoast Suns](/source/Suncoast_Suns) for the 1971–72 season.[{{cite web|url=http://www.suncoastsuns.com/pillingstory.jpg|title=The Gregg Pilling Story|website=Suncoast Suns|publisher=Roanoke Valley Rebels program|access-date=April 4, 2018}}] Pilling was named the team's first [captain](/source/Captain_(ice_hockey)), and received the [most valuable player](/source/most_valuable_player) award from the ''[Charlotte Observer](/source/Charlotte_Observer)'', as voted by members of opposing teams.[{{cite web|url=https://www.litterboxcats.com/2013/7/30/4571320/florida-hockey-history-a-look-back-at-the-ehls-suncoast-suns|title=A look back at the Suncoast Suns|last=Little|first=Todd|date=July 30, 2013|website=Florida Hockey History|access-date=April 4, 2018}}][{{cite web|url=http://www.suncoastsuns.com/photo%20gallery.htm|title=Suns Photo Gallery|website=Suncoast Suns|access-date=April 4, 2018}}][{{cite web|url=http://www.theehl.com/page/awards.htm|title=EHL All Star Teams and Awards|last=Telaar|first=Tom|date=2014| website=TheEHL.com|access-date=April 4, 2018}}][{{cite news|title=Pilling Named Hockey Coach|newspaper=Radford News Journal|location=Radford, Virginia|date=July 31, 1972|page=5|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jul-31-1972-629541/}}]
==Coaching career==
Pilling began his full-time coaching career at age 28, when offered a one-year contract with the [Roanoke Valley Rebels](/source/Roanoke_Valley_Rebels) for the 1972–73 season.[{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeyleaguehistory.com/Eastern_Hockey_League_1954.htm|title=Eastern Hockey League (1954–73)|website=Hockey League History|accessdate=April 8, 2018}}] Roanoke switched to the [Southern Hockey League](/source/Southern_Hockey_League_(1973%E2%80%931977)) for the [1973–74 season](/source/1973%E2%80%9374_Southern_Hockey_League_season), and Pilling stayed with the team. The team's roster that season included eleven [French Canadians](/source/French_Canadians),[{{cite web|url=http://theroanokestar.com/2017/10/02/pro-ice-hockey-celebrates-50th-anniversary-in-roanoke-valley/|title=Pro Ice Hockey Celebrates 50th Anniversary In Roanoke Valley|last=Turner|first=Bill|date=October 2, 2017|website=The Roanoke Star|access-date=April 4, 2018}}] and a young [Mike Keenan](/source/Mike_Keenan).[{{cite web|url=http://www.eliteprospects.com/staff.php?staff=15495|title=Gregg Pilling Team Staff Profile|website=Eliteprospects.com|access-date=April 4, 2018}}] Pilling was named the SHL Coach of the Year.[{{cite news|title=Sullivan named to first team|newspaper=Gastonia Gazette|location=Gastonia, North Carolina|date=February 26, 1974|page=7|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-26-1974-629520/}}][{{cite news|title=Pilling Selected Top Hockey Coach|newspaper=Kannapolis Daily Independent|location=Kannapolis, North Carolina|date=February 28, 1974|page=16|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-28-1974-629505/}}] He resigned on July 29, 1974.[{{cite news|title=Needham Signs With Rebels|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|date=September 12, 1974|page=62|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-12-1974-629441/}}]
thumb|left|250px|alt=Coach Gregg Pilling in the middle of the front row, with the 1976–77 Philadelphia Firebirds team photo, and the 1976 Lockhart Cup.|Coach Gregg Pilling in the middle of the front row, with the 1976–77 Philadelphia Firebirds, and the 1976 Lockhart Cup
Pilling was named the coach and general manager of Philadelphia's expansion team in the [North American Hockey League](/source/North_American_Hockey_League_(1973%E2%80%931977)).[{{cite news|title=Firebirds' Pilling honored|newspaper=Chester Delaware County Daily Times|location=Chester, Pennsylvania|date=February 25, 1975|page=9|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-25-1975-629404/}}] The [Philadelphia Firebirds](/source/Philadelphia_Firebirds) were announced in August 1974, resulting from a name-the-team contest.[{{cite news|title=Names in Sports|newspaper=Doylestown Intelligencer|location=Doylestown, Pennsylvania|date=August 16, 1974|page=18|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-aug-16-1974-629477/}}] During the [1974–75 NAHL season](/source/1974%E2%80%9375_NAHL_season), Pilling was fined $1000, and suspended five games due to forfeiting a game by pulling his team off the ice when a referee refused to allow a warm-up for the substitute goaltender, when the starter was injured.[{{cite news|title=Blazers wallop 'Birds|newspaper=Chester Delaware County Daily Times|location=Chester, Pennsylvania|date=November 27, 1974|page=13|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-27-1974-629801/}}] Pilling led the Firebirds to forty wins, and second place during the regular season.[{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeyleaguehistory.com/North_American_Hockey_League_1973.htm|title=North American Hockey League (1973-1977)|website=Hockey League History|accessdate=April 8, 2018}}] His team faced the seventh place [Long Island Cougars](/source/Long_Island_Cougars) in the first round of the playoffs, but were upset in four games.[{{Cite web|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/playoffdisplay.php?league=nahl1974&season=1975&leaguenm=NAHL|title=1974-75 NAHL Playoff Results|website=www.hockeydb.com|date=|access-date=April 8, 2018}}] Pilling was named NAHL coach of the year, his second such award in two seasons.[{{cite news|title=Silverberg eager|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|last=Sullivan|first=Pat|date=May 27, 1976|page=25|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-27-1976-629314/}}] In the [1975–76 NAHL season](/source/1975%E2%80%9376_NAHL_season), Piling led the Firebirds to 45 wins, and a second-place finished in the west division.[{{cite web|url=http://slapshotnahl.blogspot.ca/2013/03/philadelphia-firebirds.html?m=1|title=Philadelphia Firebirds|last=Samworth|first=Tom|date=March 22, 2013|website=Encyclopedia of the North American Hockey League (1973-1977)|access-date=April 4, 2018}}] Pilling won his second playoffs championship as a coach, as Philadelphia captured the Lockhart Cup in six games over the [Beauce Jaros](/source/Beauce_Jaros).[{{cite news|title=Firebirds claim Lockhart Cup|newspaper=Delaware County Daily Times|location=Chester, Pennsylvania|date=April 15, 1976|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-15-1976-629336/}}] He was named the league's general manager of the year.[{{cite news|title=Blazers...|newspaper=Syracuse Post Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=January 6, 1977|page=16|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-06-1977-629856/}}] Philadelphia faced the fifth place [Erie Blades](/source/Erie_Blades) in the first round of the playoffs, and lost the series in five games.[{{Cite web|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/playoffdisplay.php?league=nahl1974&season=1977&leaguenm=NAHL|title=1976-77 NAHL Playoff Results|website=www.hockeydb.com|date=|access-date=April 8, 2018}}]
After the season, Pilling was interviewed for the [Maine Mariners](/source/Maine_Mariners_(AHL)) coaching position in the [American Hockey League](/source/American_Hockey_League), but later signed with the [Fort Wayne Komets](/source/Fort_Wayne_Komets) in the [International Hockey League](/source/International_Hockey_League_(1945%E2%80%932001)).[{{cite news|title=Hockey Notes|newspaper=Bucks County Courier Times|location=Levittown, Pennsylvania|date=June 10, 1977|page=27|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-10-1977-629271/}}] He led the Komets to 40 wins, and 97 points, and a first overall finish in the [1977–78 IHL season](/source/1977%E2%80%9378_IHL_season), winning the [Fred A. Huber Trophy](/source/Fred_A._Huber_Trophy).[{{cite web|url=http://hockeyleaguehistory.com/International%20_Hockey_League_1970.htm|title=International Hockey League (1970-79)|website=Hockey League History|access-date=April 4, 2018}}] In the playoffs, the Komets won the first round against the [Muskegon Mohawks](/source/Muskegon_Mohawks) in six games, but faltered in round two in five games, losing to the [Toledo Goaldiggers](/source/Toledo_Goaldiggers). Pilling was named the IHL's first-team all-star coach, equivalent to coach of the year, prior to the introduction of the [Commissioner's Trophy](/source/Commissioner's_Trophy_(IHL)).[{{cite news|title=IHL Rookie of Year heads All-Star team|newspaper=Kokomo Tribune|location=Kokomo, Indiana|date=May 10, 1978|page=23|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-10-1978-629073/}}] It was Pilling's third coach of the year award in the last five seasons. He resigned on June 2, 1978,[{{cite news|title=Komets' coach quits|newspaper=Kokomo Tribune|location=Kokomo, Indiana|date=June 4, 1978|page=186|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-04-1978-629055/}}] and was the preferred choice to become head coach of the [Indianapolis Racers](/source/Indianapolis_Racers), but a contract was not finalized due to [NHL–WHA merger](/source/NHL%E2%80%93WHA_merger) talks.[{{cite news|title=Pilling bound for Racers?|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|date=May 30, 1978|page=73|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-30-1978-629087/}}]
Pilling was named the new coach and general manager of the [Regina Pats](/source/Regina_Pats), receiving a one-year contract in June.[{{cite news|title=Pilling Pats' new coach, GM|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|date=June 2, 1978|page=23|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-02-1978-629079/}}] He accepted the job in Regina over other offers, since he preferred to have both positions, not just one.[{{cite news|title=Racers help Gregg Pilling receive raise|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|date=July 22, 1978|page=27|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jul-22-1978-629038/}}] The season did not go as planned for Pilling, as the Pats struggled near the bottom of the standings, and his frustrations manifested into numerous ejections.[{{cite news|title=Pats' coach may be in line for discipline|newspaper=Brandon Sun|location=Brandon, Manitoba|date=October 24, 1978|page=6|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-24-1978-628997/}}][{{cite news|title=Pilling puts on show in Regina|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|date=October 23, 1978|page=11|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-23-1978-635558/}}][{{cite news|title=Pilling isn't talking after really grand day|newspaper=Brandon Sun|location=Brandon, Manitoba|date=October 25, 1978|page=9|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-25-1978-635511/}}] He was later fined $1,000 for "complete disrespect and irresponsible actions", and the club had to put up a $1,000 bond against further actions.[{{cite news|title=The Pats do some P.R. work|newspaper=Brandon Sun|location=Brandon, Manitoba|last=Drinnan|first=Gregg|date=September 19, 1979|page=9|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-19-1979-628976/}}][{{cite news|title=Offence is the Pats' game|newspaper=Brandon Sun|location=Brandon, Manitoba|last=Drinnan|first=Gregg|date=May 2, 1980|page=10|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-02-1980-623454/}}]
Pilling served as an interim coach for the [Toledo Goaldiggers](/source/Toledo_Goaldiggers), after coach [Ted Garvin](/source/Ted_Garvin) had a heart attack in the offseason.[{{cite news|title=Sanko is named|newspaper=Defiance Crescent News|location=Defiance, Ohio|date=June 3, 1980|page=29|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-03-1980-623450/}}] The team was sold partway through the season, and Pilling was retained until the end of the playoffs.[{{cite news|title=Arena purchases Diggers|newspaper=Defiance Crescent News|location=Defiance, Ohio|date=February 28, 1980|page=34|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-28-1980-623447/}}] In the [1979–80 IHL season](/source/1979%E2%80%9380_IHL_season), Toledo earned 28 wins, 74 points, and second place in the south division. In the playoffs, they lost in four games to Fort Wayne. Pilling was named coach of [Sherwood Park Crusaders](/source/Sherwood_Park_Crusaders) in the [Alberta Junior Hockey League](/source/Alberta_Junior_Hockey_League), when [Dennis Smith](/source/Dennis_Smith_(ice_hockey)) resigned.[{{cite news|title=Sherwood Park, Alta (CP)|newspaper=Brandon Sun|location=Brandon, Manitoba|date=November 10, 1981|page=9|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-10-1981-623436/}}][{{cite news|title=Why Dan Kepley?|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|last=Sullivan|first=Pat|date=November 21, 1981|page=23|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-21-1981-623374/}}] His team won 36 out of 60 games, finished first place in the south division, and lost in the second round of the playoffs.[{{cite web|url=http://ajhl.ca/statistics/other-statistics/stats-history.html|title=AJHL Stats History|website=Alberta Junior Hockey League|access-date=April 7, 2018}}]
==Personal life==
Pilling has been involved with running hockey schools in [Medicine Hat](/source/Medicine_Hat) and Lethbridge.[{{cite news|title=Sully Says|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|date=July 11, 1972|last=Sullivan|first=Pat|page=9|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jul-11-1972-629904/}}] He has done fundraising for [Kin Canada](/source/Kin_Canada) Christmas programs.[{{cite web|url=http://www.achesonbusiness.com/pages/hockey-for-hampers-showdown|title=Hockey for Hampers Showdown|website=Acheson Business|access-date=April 4, 2018}}] As a member of the 1962–63 Oil Kings, he was honoured by [Hockey Alberta](/source/Hockey_Alberta) with an induction into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame.[{{cite web|url=http://ashfm.ca/hall-of-fame-honoured-members/browse/teams/edmonton-oil-kings-1963-1966|title=Edmonton Oil Kings, 1963 & 1966|website=Alberta Sports Hall of Fame|access-date=April 5, 2018}}][{{cite web |title=1963 & 1966 Oil Kings Inducted into Hall of Fame |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/1963--1966-oil-kings-inducted-into-hall-of-fame/n-4211369 |website=OurSports Central |accessdate=March 2, 2020 |date=May 27, 2011}}][{{cite web |title=1963 & 1966 Oil Kings Inducted Into Hall Of Fame |url=https://oilkings.ca/1963-1966-oil-kings-inducted-into-hall-of-fame/ |website=Edmonton Oil Kings |accessdate=March 2, 2020}}] Pilling is an organizer of the Oil Kings alumni association.