Angotti was born in Toronto on January 16, 1938.[1][2] He played his junior hockey for the Toronto St. Michael's Majors. He then enrolled in Michigan Tech University where he earned an engineering degree while skating for powerful college clubs.[3][4] He appeared in two NCAA championship games, losing the 1960 game while winning in 1962. He was MVP of both tournaments and was All-WCHAFirst Team for 1961–62.[5]
Professional career
Angotti signed with the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL), playing two seasons with the minor league Rochester Americans before being called up to the big league club in 1964-65. Angotti quickly became known for his high-energy, speedy play. Over the next nine seasons, he played with the Chicago Black Hawks, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and St. Louis Blues.[6] He had his best offensive season in 1967–68 with the Flyers, when he scored 49 points while serving as the club's first captain.[1][2] During his second stint with Chicago (from 1969 through 1973), he served as a key defensive component on a team that narrowly lost two Stanley Cup Finals series.[6]
During his final season with the Blues in 1973–74, Angotti was hired as coach after Jean-Guy Talbot was fired with 23 games remaining in the season. He retired to serve as head coach on a full-time basis, but was fired just nine games into the next year. He returned to play hockey with the Chicago Cougars of the World Hockey Association (WHA). Angotti again served as head coach during the 1983-84 season, this time with the Pittsburgh Penguins.[6]
Following his playing career, Angotti was a color commentator for Chicago Blackhawks games on WSNS-TV and WCFL radio.[7] He was first inducted into the Michigan Tech Sports Hall of Fame in 1991 as an individual player. He was enshrined again in 2012 together with the 1962 team on the 50th anniversary of the school's first NCAA title.[4][8] He periodically participated in community activities by the Chicago Blackhawk Alumni Association.[9]
