Sam Pollock

Who was Sam Pollock?

Samuel Patterson Smyth "Sam" Pollock, OC, CQ was a general manager in the National Hockey League.

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Sam was a keen evaluator of talent. In 1950, with the Montreal Junior Canadiens and in 1958, with the Ottawa Junior Canadiens, he won the Memorial Cup. The Montreal Canadiens saw potential in Pollock and quickly hired him to be the successor to Frank J. Selke, serving as Personnel Director from 1959 to 1963, In 1963, Selke retired and Sam took over his job as general manager of the Habs.

He spent 14 years with the club as general manager giving up the job in summer of 1978. He spent one last season with Montreal on their board of directors, before retiring in summer of 1979. Pollock's name was included on the Stanley Cup 12 times, including an NHL record nine as a manager. Pollock and head coach Scotty Bowman not only presided over a Canadiens dynasty, but many of their players went on to having successful coaching and managing roles with their own teams.

Pollock died on August 15, 2007, at the age of 81 in Toronto, Ontario. Pollock is survived by his wife Mimi, son Sam Jr., and daughters Rachel and Mary.