Andy Mulligan (ice hockey)

Andrew Mulligan (February 12, 1906 – May 26, 1984) was a Canadian–American ice hockey player, coach, and executive who was the manager of the Toledo Sports Arena 1950 to 1973, general manager of the Toledo Mercurys from its founding in 1947 until it folded in 1962, and commissioner of the International Hockey League from 1962 to 1969.

Playing career
Mulligan was born on February 12, 1906, in Winnipeg. He played junior hockey for the University of Manitoba and Winnipeg Rangers. He passed on medical school to pursue a professional hockey career.

Mulligan played professionally in the Prairie Hockey League (Regina Capitals), American Hockey Association (St. Paul Saints, Chicago Shamrocks, St. Louis Flyers, St. Paul Greyhounds, Minneapolis Millers, and Kansas City Greyhounds), Western Canada Hockey League (Saskatoon Crescents), Central Hockey League (Duluth Natives), Canadian–American Hockey League (Boston Cubs and Providence Reds), and Michigan Ontario Hockey League (Toledo Babcocks) from 1927 to 1942.

During his professional career, Mulligan supplemented his income by working for a railroad in Canada. When World War II created a lack of playing opportunities, Mulligan worked for the railroad full time, rising to the position of assistant yardmaster.

Coaching
Mulligan began his coaching career in 1940 as the player–coach of the Toledo Babcocks. In 1941 he became the head coach of the St. James Canadians junior hockey team.

In 1947, Mulligan returned to Toledo as the head coach and business manager of the expansion Toledo Mercurys of the International Hockey League. The Mercurys won the Turner Cup in their first year of existence. He remained head coach until 1950, when he became manager of the Toledo Sports Arena.

Management
In 1962, Toledo surrendered its IHL franchise and Mulligan was appointed commissioner of the league. He stepped down as commissioner after the 1968–69 season, but continued to manage the Sports Arena until 1973. In 1974, Mulligan helped secure an IHL expansion team for the city of Toledo as the representative for an ownership group led by Virgil Gladieux. He served as a consultant for the Toledo Goaldiggers for four seasons.

Death
Mulligan died on May 26, 1984, after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his wife, Millie, who was the box office manager for the Sports Arena for 22 years.