112-big

Date of Birth: 1941
Place of Birth: St. John’s, NL
Inducted: 2008 (Player Category)

Edgar “Eg” Billard enjoyed exceptional success as an outstanding goalkeeper during a career that lasted 22 years and included hockey at every level of competition. He utilized impressive skill and talent with a willingness to study the game extremely well while making the sacrifices that are necessary to reach the top of an athletic career.

He earned an excellent reputation as a contributing member of any team with which he played. Always up for a game, he contributed greatly to his teammates and was a valuable asset in victories that were gained by each and every team. It would be fair to say that he “stole” many more wins with his tremendous ability to shut down opposing players and always reduce their scoring.

His hockey got its start in 1957 and he spent two seasons backstopping the Model High School team in St. John’s school competition and continued through rewarding junior, senior and old-timers hockey that was played at the local, provincial and national levels. His goals-against average was always among the best, if not the best.

His junior hockey three-year stay resulted in a provincial title in 1960 with St. John’s and one St. John’s championship with the Guards. He was the St. John’s League’s top goalie for 1958.

He was a major factor in the Guards winning four Boyle Trophies as St. John’s senior champions while individually earning five top goalie awards, one League Most Valuable Player award and two team MVP designations.

His provincial career with St. John’s had one championship Herder Memorial Trophy, two top goalkeeper awards and one team MVP award.

He won old-timers “A” gold medals with the CeeBees in Denmark in 1978 and in Florida in 1979, and coached the Shamrocks senior club the same year.

He had a tryout with the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks and was twice a finalist for St. John’s Athlete of the Year.