Professional Hockey Player. A native of Fort St. James, British Columbia, he was originally selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs round 5 #55 overall during the 1969 NHL Amateur Draft. At 5'11, and 185lbs, Spencer played the position of Left Wing for the Estevan Bruins from 1966 to 1967 (SJHL), Regina Pats from 1967 to 1968 (WCJHL), Calgary Centennials from 1967 to 1968 (WCJHL), Estevan /Swift Current from 1968 to 1969 (WCJHL), Toronto Maple Leafs from 1969 to 1972 (NHL), Tulsa Oilers from 1969 to 1972 (CHL), New York Islanders from 1972 to 1974 (NHL), Buffalo Sabres from 1973 to 1977 (NHL), Pittsburgh Penguins from 1977 to 1979 (NHL), Binghamton Dusters from 1978 to 1979 (AHL), Springfield Indians from 1979 to 1980 (AHL), and the Hershey Bears from 1979 to 1980 (AHL). After he retired from playing hockey following the 1979 to 1980 season, Spencer's life went downhill. Spencer became involved in drugs, alcoholism, and violence. He moved to Florida where his problems became even worse. In 1987, he was charged with kidnapping and murder, and faced a death penalty charge if he was convicted. In 1988, following the charge he was supported by both friends, fellow teammates, fans, and family alike. Spencer was found not guilty by the jury and he returned to his life a free man. On June 2, 1988, only three months after the verdict, Spencer was shot during a robbery in Riviera Beach, Florida, while buying cocaine with another man. He was taken to the St. Mary's Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida, but was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on June 3, 1988, at the age of 39. The 1993 film, "Gross Misconduct," was based on his life.
Professional Hockey Player. A native of Fort St. James, British Columbia, he was originally selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs round 5 #55 overall during the 1969 NHL Amateur Draft. At 5'11, and 185lbs, Spencer played the position of Left Wing for the Estevan Bruins from 1966 to 1967 (SJHL), Regina Pats from 1967 to 1968 (WCJHL), Calgary Centennials from 1967 to 1968 (WCJHL), Estevan /Swift Current from 1968 to 1969 (WCJHL), Toronto Maple Leafs from 1969 to 1972 (NHL), Tulsa Oilers from 1969 to 1972 (CHL), New York Islanders from 1972 to 1974 (NHL), Buffalo Sabres from 1973 to 1977 (NHL), Pittsburgh Penguins from 1977 to 1979 (NHL), Binghamton Dusters from 1978 to 1979 (AHL), Springfield Indians from 1979 to 1980 (AHL), and the Hershey Bears from 1979 to 1980 (AHL). After he retired from playing hockey following the 1979 to 1980 season, Spencer's life went downhill. Spencer became involved in drugs, alcoholism, and violence. He moved to Florida where his problems became even worse. In 1987, he was charged with kidnapping and murder, and faced a death penalty charge if he was convicted. In 1988, following the charge he was supported by both friends, fellow teammates, fans, and family alike. Spencer was found not guilty by the jury and he returned to his life a free man. On June 2, 1988, only three months after the verdict, Spencer was shot during a robbery in Riviera Beach, Florida, while buying cocaine with another man. He was taken to the St. Mary's Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida, but was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on June 3, 1988, at the age of 39. The 1993 film, "Gross Misconduct," was based on his life.
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