Gord Haidy was one of the greatest ever players in the history of the Windsor Bulldogs, a dearly departed amateur hockey club that competed at the Ontario Hockey Association Senior level. Haidy also played for the Windsor Spitfires and the American Hockey League’s Indianapolis Capitals, among other teams. In addition, Haidy enjoyed a decorated career in amateur baseball.

Haidy was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on April 11, 1928.

A high-scoring right winger known for his powerful shot, Haidy enjoyed 15 amateur and 4 professional seasons in hockey.

Haidy suited up for the Windsor Spitfires between 1944 and 1948, competing at the City Senior, IHL, and OHA Junior levels. In the 1946-47 season, his Spitfires were IHL Playoff Champions.

Haidy stuck with the Indianapolis Capitals in the American Hockey League in 1948-49 after playing six games with the Omaha Knights in the USHL. The following year, in 1949-50, Haidy’s Capitals were crowned Calder Cup Champions. He played one game with the Detroit Red Wings that year.

After missing the 1951-52 season, Haidy found his feet with New Westminster in the WHL, scoring 10 points in 18 games. He also spent a 10-game stint with Buffalo in the AHL.

In 1953-54, Haidy began his long association with the Bulldogs in the OHA Senior league. In 54 games, he scored 47 goals and added 30 assists for a team-leading 80-point regular season. The following season, Haidy again led the team with 60 points in 48 games. His 13 assists in 12 playoffs games were also the highest on the Bulldogs.

Aside from spending the 1957-58 season with the NOHA Senior league’s Chatham Maroons, Haidy played for the Bulldogs exclusively until 1959-60. He spent time with Milwaukee and Indianapolis in the IHL in 1960-61 before returning to the Bulldogs. In 1962-63, Haidy spent six games with the Sarnia Rams in the OHA Senior league before finishing his career with the Bulldogs, now playing in the IHL, in 1963-64.

Over his nine seasons with the Bulldogs, Haidy scored 232 goals and accumulated 229 assists for a total of 461 points. He sits fourth on the all-time Bulldogs regular season, playoffs, and overall scoring lists. His 47 goals and 191 penalty minutes in the 1953-54 season are both Bulldogs regular season records.

Haidy was also an exceptional baseball player. An outstanding pitcher known for his magnificent changeup, he threw five career no-hitters and won several local titles and three provincial championships.

In 1948, Haidy demonstrated that he was also an accomplished batter and versatile position player as he led the Windsor Ryancretes to the Detroit Amateur Baseball Federation Class “A” title. He hit .339 for the season from left field.

Haidy led his Len Kane’s team to the Ontario Senior “A” finals in three consecutive years. Haidy’s club won the title 1955 and ’57 and was runner up in ’56. Haidy added a third Senior “A” crown with Arena Sport Shop in 1962.

Haidy played for a number of further clubs in the Windsor area and elsewhere. He suited up for the Windsor Jets in the International Fastball League, with which he competed against top American clubs from Columbus, Ohio and Michigan locales like Midland, Fort Wayne, and Detroit. He would later play shortstop, first base, and outfield for the Windsor Star in the Windsor Federation League. He also played for Sudbury’s Park Hotel team for three years, winning one League MVP trophy.

It is understood that Haidy received offers from six Major League Baseball clubs during his amateur career.

Gord Haidy passed away on October 6, 2004.