NHL, WHA Great Bill Friday Should Be First Official Inducted Into Hockey Hall of Fame in 10 Years

The colorful former referee and pioneer, who died this week at the age of 91, should take his rightful place in the Hockey Hall of Fame, says Ken Campbell.

All you need to know about Bill Friday is that he has an arena named after him in his hometown of Hamilton, Ont.

What referee is so well-liked that he gets an arena named after him? But for Friday, who died at the age of 91 this week, it was a well-deserved honor.

Friday was not only the best referee of his time, but he was also a trailblazing pioneer. He jumped to the World Hockey Association in 1972 and gave it instant credibility. He was the first president of the NHL Officials' Association and he was among the best officials in both pro leagues.

He refereed some of hockey's best-ever players, including Gordie Howe and a young Wayne Gretzky in the WHA.

Here's more on Friday's legacy: