Former Regina Pats captain Bill Ansell died at age 63 on Monday, one day after moving into palliative care because of pancreatic cancer. Article content

Ansell won a Western Hockey League championship with the 1979-80 Pats. He became their captain the following season before playing for Hall of Fame coach Clare Drake with the University of Alberta Golden Bears. Ansell spent 33 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, serving on the HMSC Regina, before recently retiring as a lieutenant-commander in Sidney, B.C. Article content Article content

“Billy was the ultimate team guy,” said former NHLer Mike Blaisdell, a teammate on the 1979-80 Pats. “Always positive, came to the rink with a smile on his face. He gained the respect of his teammates and coaches by his actions every day.

“He was

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