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Known for their rough and rowdy behavior on and off the ice, the Plager Brothers made a name for themselves long before they left Kirkland Lake. Barclay (the eldest), Bob (the middle), and Bill (the youngest) were taught the basics by their father, Gus Plager. Gus had a promising hockey career until an injury forced him from the game - but he continued on with the sport as a referee. Billy Plager, in a 2009 interview, commented that his father was "tough, but fair" when it came to his refereeing.

The brothers were known as much for their entertainment value on the ice as their powerful skating and scoring record. All three brothers made it to the NHL, and all three skated together for the St. Louis Blues between 1968-71. Bob and Barclay would continue on with the Blues while Bill would go on to play in several different leagues. All three brothers left the NHL as players at around the same time - Barclay and Bill retired after the 1976-77 season, and Bob stayed on with the St. Louis Blues for part of the following season.

Barclay went on to a coaching assistant career with the St. Louis Blues until 1988. He was to participate as an honourary coach at the All-Star Game February 9, 1988, but passed away several days before the Game took place.

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Plager Brothers
Circa 1968



Credits:
Photograph donated by Bill Plager
Hockey Heritage North Archives

29

Barclay Plager Painting
Circa 2005
Joe Mavrinac Community Complex, Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada


Credits:
Joe Mavrinac Community Complex
Original artwork by Mark Didine

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Bob Plager Painting
Circa 2005
Joe Mavrinac Community Complex, Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada


Credits:
Joe Mavrinac Community Complex
Original artwork by Mark Didine

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Bill Plager Painting
Circa 2005
Joe Mavrinac Community Complex, Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada


Credits:
Joe Mavrinac Community Complex
Original artwork by Mark Didine

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NHL All-Stars Game Jacket
9 February 1988



Credits:
Jacket donated by Bill Plager
Hockey Heritage North Archives

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Bill Plager - NHL Players Return to Kirkland Lake
5 September 2009
Hockey Heritage North, Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada


Credits:
Bill Plager Interview
Hockey Heritage North Archives