Tommy Williams passed away
Hockey NWT offers our deepest condolences and prayers to the family and many, many friends of Tommy “Iceman” Williams - great family man and fierce competitor to the very end.
Tom was involved at all levels of hockey as a player, coach and builder. The influence that Tom has had on his teammates, players and colleagues cannot be measured and his legacy will continue to impact hockey in the Northwest Territories for many years to come. Hockey NWT is forever grateful of Tom for his selfless support of the growth and development of hockey across the NWT.
Born and raised in the NWT, Tom fell in love with hockey at a young age and excelled at his position of goal tender. Despite being under age, his play quickly promoted him up the ranks eventually earning him a spot on the Back Bay Blades in Yellowknife’s Adult Rec. League.
Tom also represented Team NWT at the 1976 Arctic Winter Games as part of the U18 Hockey team - taking home a Gold Ulu for his efforts. Once Tom was old enough for Junior Hockey, he moved to Alberta to play for the Drumheller Falcons, Red Deer Rustlers and the Medicine Hat Tigers - where he would share the crease with Kelly Hrudey.
After College, Tom returned to the NWT to continue his journey in hockey. While living in Inuvik, Tom co-founded the IRC Cup and the Gwich’in Cup. These two events continue to be highlights of the Hockey calendar in Inuvik.
Tom would also serve as President of Inuvik Minor Hockey as well as the Director of the Beaufort Delta with Hockey NWT.
Between Inuvik and Yellowknife, Tom started making a name for himself behind the bench as a coach. Sharing his passion for the game with kids of all ages. Known as a “players coach” and an amazing mentor - Tom was loved by all his players. He made sure that everyone received equal attention and feedback. Tom would also coach Team NWT at the 2004 Arctic Winter Games (Fort McMurray) and 2007 Canada Winter Games (Whitehorse). Tom also worked with a team of volunteers to have the Northwest Territories included in the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship and served on the coaching staff in 2005 & 2006. Tom’s holistic approach to coaching was a critical piece to the team coming together both on and off the ice. Tom’s holistic approach to hockey went far beyond just the team he coached. In preparation for the '07 Canada Winter Games, Tom, Ken Jacobson and Mike Gravel, organized for available CWG athletes to travel to Fort Good Hope to run a hockey school. This not only served as a showcase for northern talent but more important this was a great team building exercise which taught players the value of giving back. Tom truly led his teams by example.
Away from coaching, the fire to compete never diminished as Tom would continue to dominate the crease for teams in the Yellowknife Rec League and Yellowknife Old Timers where Tom collected a number championships, MVP and top Goaltender awards throughout his playing career. Gary Vivian, Former President of Hockey North and teammate of Tom’s with Great Slave Helicopters described Tom as having the heart of a lion and that there were nights where Tom would face 50 shots and would sprawl all over the ice like a cross between Dominik Hasek and a snake. He never complained and was the consummate teammate and we loved playing for him.
Tom's beloved Mad Trappers jersey looks over Ed Jeske arena as a testament to his dedication, passion and greatness in hockey.
Thank You to Tom's family - Pam, James and Aurora for sharing your husband and father with your teammates and with the entire hockey community.
And to Tom, Thank you for your passion and dedication to coaching and for giving so much of your energy to your community. May you rest in peace.
