Hailing from Toronto, Ecclestone began his NHL journey after being selected by the New York Rangers as the ninth overall pick in the 1964 NHL Draft.
However, it was with the Blues that he truly made his mark, joining the team following the 1967 NHL Expansion Draft.
During his tenure with the Blues, Ecclestone played a pivotal role in the team's early success, helping them reach the Stanley Cup Final in their first three seasons.
Despite their efforts, the Blues fell short in each final, facing defeats against formidable opponents like the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins.
In 1971, Ecclestone embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining the Detroit Red Wings in a trade that saw him and fellow forward Red Berenson exchanged for Wayne Connelly and Garry Unger.
Despite the change in scenery, Ecclestone continued to showcase his talent, achieving a career-high 19 goals and 53 points in his first season with the Red Wings.
Throughout his career, Ecclestone's contributions extended beyond the ice. As a 1971 NHL All-Star, he demonstrated his skill and dedication to the sport. In total, he amassed an impressive 359 points, including 126 goals and 233 assists, in 692 regular-season games for multiple NHL teams.
Following his retirement after the 1977-78 season, Ecclestone remained connected to the hockey community, settling in the Atlanta area and becoming a part owner of a local sports bar.
Ecclestone's legacy will forever be remembered, not only for his on-ice achievements but also for the indelible impact he left on the sport and those who knew him.
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