Bill_Reichart_Hockey
FightingHawks.com

Men's Hockey Alec Stocker Johnson, FightingHawks.com

North Dakota mourns the loss of Bill Reichart

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- North Dakota Athletics and the hockey program mourn the loss of former student-athlete Bill Reichart on Friday. He was 86. 

North Dakota hockey is deeply saddened to hear the passing of Bill Reichart," said Head Coach Brad Berry. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Reichart family. Bill will always be remembered and honored within our program."

Reichart played forward for the Fighting Sioux from 1954-57, serving as team captain as a senior. He still stands as one of just two players in program history to be named first-team All-American three times, joining his fellow teammate Bill Steenson with that honor. 

He is the last player in program history to lead the team in both goals and points over three straight seasons, while also holding the school record for the most points in a single game. Reichart scored seven goals and added two assists for a whopping nine-point night against Minnesota Duluth on Dec. 29, 1954. 

The Winnipeg, native finished his UND career with 97 goals and 59 assists for 156 points in 85 career games.

Reichart was part of the inaugural North Dakota Athletics Hall of Fame class in 1975, which also included other UND athletics legends such as Fritz Pollard and Red Jarrett, becoming the first hockey player enshrined. 

He became an American citizen in 1963 and chose to don the red, white and blue in international play. Reichart was named team captain of the 1964 USA Olympic Team in Innsbruck, leading the team in scoring with 10 points in eight games. He suited up alongside Herb Brooks, Warroad's Billy and Roger Christian, and UND's Don Ross and Tom Yurkovich at the games. 

Reichart is survived by his wife, Betty; his three children, Renee Falzone (husband Michael), Wendy Caldwell (husband John) and Ron (wife Tracey); as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A moment of silence will be held at this Friday's game against Minnesota Duluth in his memory. 
Print Friendly Version