Team Canada ‘72 has lost another brother.

Bill White, a solid defenceman for the Chicago Blackhawks and a member of Canada’s team in the Summit Series, has passed away. NHL.com reported his death on Sunday at age 77.

“A younger generation might not understand what we went through,” White told the Toronto Sun a few years ago of his experiences in the memorable showdown. “I’m still asked about playing in the series at least twice a week.”

A resident of the Beach neighbourhood of Toronto and a former junior Marlboro, he was a rock on the blueline in 1972 as the Canadians gradually learned to deal with the swift Russian forwards who’d threatened to blow them out of the series in the first few matches.

White was gifted a chess set at the end of the series, with the game pieces themed in Canadian and Soviet flags, which was a popular attraction at the old Hockey Hall Of Fame on Toronto’s CNE grounds.

White was originally a member of the expansion Los Angeles Kings, before Chicago acquired him to boost depth. He and Pat Stapleton, who also played against the Soviets in ‘72, were the Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook of the Hawks’ blueline in their era.

White was a six-time all-star, but rose to national prominence in Canada while appearing in seven of the eight Summit Series games. He had a huge role in keeping Canada in Game 8, helping to kill the clock after Paul Henderson’s dramatic winning goal.

After the series victory, White’s pals at the Balmy Beach Club made a huge ‘Welcome home’ banner. After retiring in 1977 — he briefly coached the Hawks — White did well in the plumbing business.

LHornby@postmedia.com