Dick Todd
Growing up in Toronto, Dick Todd excelled in most sports. An outstanding pitcher, he signed a pro contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1964. After seriously injuring his arm, he accepted an invitation from his lifelong friend and mentor, Roger Neilson and came to Peterborough in 1973 as head trainer of the Peterborough Petes. In the 1978/79 season he was assistant coach/trainer of the Memorial Cup champion Peterborough Petes. In 1982 he was appointed Head Coach.
Dick Todd became one of the most successful coaches in the history of the OHL. He won the Matt Leydon Trophy as OHL Coach of the Year in 1988; he also won OHL championships in 1989 and 1993; and at the international level he won two World Junior gold medals, in 1990 as assistant coach and in 1991 as head coach of Canada’s team.
Then in 1993, Todd became assistant coach with the NHL New York Rangers, winning the Stanley Cup in 1994. In 2004 he returned to his hockey roots to coach the Petes, winning the OHL championship and another trip to the Memorial Cup in 2005. His 500th career victory in just 813 games set an OHL record. The Peterborough Petes have had more players drafted to the NHL than any other team in the world and Dick Todd played an integral role in this achievement.
Year Inducted:
2009
Status:
Active
Growing up in Toronto, Dick Todd excelled in most sports. An outstanding pitcher, he signed a pro contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1964. After seriously injuring his arm, he accepted an invitation from his lifelong friend and mentor, Roger Neilson and came to Peterborough in 1973 as head trainer of the Peterborough Petes. In the 1978/79 season he was assistant coach/trainer of the Memorial Cup champion Peterborough Petes. In 1982 he was appointed Head Coach.
Dick Todd became one of the most successful coaches in the history of the OHL. He won the Matt Leydon Trophy as OHL Coach of the Year in 1988; he also won OHL championships in 1989 and 1993; and at the international level he won two World Junior gold medals, in 1990 as assistant coach and in 1991 as head coach of Canada’s team.
Then in 1993, Todd became assistant coach with the NHL New York Rangers, winning the Stanley Cup in 1994. In 2004 he returned to his hockey roots to coach the Petes, winning the OHL championship and another trip to the Memorial Cup in 2005. His 500th career victory in just 813 games set an OHL record. The Peterborough Petes have had more players drafted to the NHL than any other team in the world and Dick Todd played an integral role in this achievement.