Centre Fred Williams was a highly-touted amateur star who only made it into 44 games for the Detroit Red Wings in 1976-77. He was a skill player who attained a bit of success in the minors during his career.
Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Williams accumulated 265 points in a fine junior career with the hometown Blades of the WCJHL. After recording 118 points in 1975-76, the young forward was taken fourth overall by the Red Wings at the Amateur Draft. After notching only seven points in his rookie season, he was sent down to the AHL's Rhode Island Reds.
Over the last five years of his career Williams played four years in the minors and sat out the 1978-79 schedule. His pinnacle was notching 16 points in 20 games while helping the Maine Mariners win the Calder Cup in 1981.
