Winger Bill Muckalt came up through the BCJHL playing for the Merritt Centennials and briefly with the Kelowna Spartans before enrolling at the University of Michigan. Muckalt played four years for the Wolverines and was named to the NCAA West First All-Star Team in his senior year in 1998.
Muckalt's strong work ethic and never-say-die attitude intrigued and impressed many NHL scouts who had first taken notice of him back in his junior days in British Columbia. The school won two NCAA titles while Muckalt was a sophomore in 1996 and a senior in 1998. The 1996 championship team also boasted the likes of future NHLers Brendan Morrison, Jason Botterill and goalie Marty Turco. The 1998 squad perhaps had less overall talent, but Muckalt and Turco were still there to lead the successful charge.
The Vancouver Canucks had selected Muckalt in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft in the ninth round, 221st overall. He had matured tremendously during his four years in college and was ready to make a bid for a full-time roster spot with the Canucks in 1998-99. He impressed the coaching staff and played in 73 games, scoring 16 goals and 36 points.
Midway through the 1999-00 season Muckalt was traded to the New York Islanders with Dave Scatchard and goalie Kevin Weekes for goalie Felix Potvin and draft picks. He spent a year on Long Island before being dealt to the Ottawa Senators in 2001-02. Muckalt spent only one season with the Sens' before signing as a free agent with the Minnesota Wild in the summer of 2002.
