Left-winger Wayne Bianchin spent parts of seven years in the NHL, mostly with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was a clever goal scorer who could play the power play and kill penalties though he rarely found himself in the box.
The native of Nanaimo, B.C. starred with the Kamloops Rockets of the B.C. Junior League before playing in the WCJHL with three different clubs. After scoring 60 goals in 68 games for the Flin Flon Bombers in 1972-73, Bianchin was taken 23rd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Amateur Draft.
Bianchin scored 25 points as a rookie in 1973-74 but suffered a broken neck while bodysurfing in the off-season. He spent most of the next two years in the minors attempting to regain his full strength and ability. Bianchin returned in 1976-77 as a more confident player and potted 28 goals playing on a line with Greg Malone and Blair Chapman. He scored 20 goals the next season but his production slipped to seven goals in 40 games in 1978-79. In the off-season Bianchin was acquired by the Edmonton Oilers as they prepared to enter the NHL.
The veteran winger played eleven games for the Oilers in 1979-80 but played chiefly with the CHL's Houston Appollos. He retired in 1981 after playing in Italy with Asiago HC and suiting up for their national team at the World Championships.
