Bryan Watson, Former NHL Player, Bugsy's Pizza Founder, Dies

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Bryan "Bugsy" Watson, a former NHL player and founder of Bugsy's Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar in Old Town Alexandria, died Thursday at age 78. According to a statement from the Washington Capitals, he died in his Maryland home.

According to the NHL, Watson played in 877 NHL games from 1963 to 1979. Over 16 seasons, he played as defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Oakland Seals, Pittsburgh Penguins, St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals. At the time of his retirement, he was the all-time leader in NHL penalty minutes with 2,214. He recorded 152 points (17 goals, 135 assists) in his career. His last professional hockey stint included 21 games for Cincinnati in the World Hockey Association in 1978 to 79. He was a coach for the Edmonton Oilers in 1980 to 1981 for several games while Wayne Gretzky was on the team. Watson was replaced by general manager Glen Sather after 18 games.

According to the Capitals, Watson came to the team just two years into its formation. After retiring from professional hockey, he was one of the first Capitals to remain in the region and become part of the community.

Watson founded Bugsy's Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar in 1983, crafting it into a favorite sports bar in Old Town Alexandria. It was initially known as The Penalty Box before adopting his nickname "Bugsy's." As reported by the Capitals, Watson displayed various artifacts, sweaters, equipment and photos at Bugsy's and shared stories of his hockey career with customers. Watson sold his interest in the restaurant in 2013.

"We will miss Bugsy's oversized heart, his joie de vivre and the incredible stories he loved to spin," the Capitals stated. "But we're also so thankful to have had him in our lives and in our area for these last several decades. Fare well and rest in peace, Bugsy."

Other NHL teams Watson played for shared statements after his passing.