Herb Wakabayashi

Osamu "Herb" Wakabayashi (December 23, 1944 – June 2, 2015) was a Canadian-Japanese professional ice hockey player.

Herb Wakabayashi
Born (1944-12-23)December 23, 1944
Neys, Ontario, Canada
Died June 2, 2015(2015-06-02) (aged 70)
Sapporo, Japan
Height 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
Weight 150 lb (68 kg; 10 st 10 lb)
Position Centre
Shot N/A
Played for Boston University Terriers
Playing career 1962–1983

Biography and career

He was born in Neys, Ontario, and moved to Chatham, Ontario, where he excelled at both hockey and baseball.[1] In 1964, Wakabayashi entered Boston University where he played freshman hockey. In his sophomore year, he moved up to varsity where he set a Boston University and ECAC record for assists in a season with 51. In the same year he was named the most valuable player of The Beanpot.

The following year his accolades continued when he was named to the All America, All East and All New England first teams, as well as the Most Valuable Player on his team and Athlete of the Year of the University. As a senior, he again received All American and All New England honors. He finished his illustrious career with the most assists in Terrier history with 90 and second all time scorer with 145 points. Also in his senior year he played baseball where he hit .367 leading the Terriers to the regional finals of the ECAC playoffs.

In 1972, he and his brother Mel moved to Japan where they represented the Japanese national ice hockey team. He played in three Olympics, including the 1980 games at Lake Placid.[1][2] He carried the Japanese flag at the opening ceremony of the 1980 Winter Olympics. He died on June 2, 2015, in Sapporo, Japan.[3][4]

Awards and honors
Award Year
ECAC Hockey All-Tournament Second Team 1967, 1968, 1969
All-ECAC Hockey Second Team 1967–68
AHCA East All-American 1967–68
All-ECAC Hockey First Team 1968–69
AHCA East All-American 1968–69

References
  1. "Herb Wakabayashi". Archived from the original on November 24, 2015. Retrieved June 9, 2008.
  2. "Boston University Athletics Official Athletic Site". Archived from the original on October 5, 2008. Retrieved June 9, 2008.
  3. "Legend Herb Wakabayashi Passes Away". June 4, 2015.
  4. Wakabayashi passes away


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