Bryan ‘Bugsy’ Watson, former Capitals defenseman and Alexandria bar owner, dies at 78

Bryan Watson, a gritty NHL defenseman who played three seasons for the Washington Capitals in the 1970s and owned a popular Alexandria bar for many years, died in St. Michaels, Md., on July 8. He was 78.

The cause of death was pneumonia, according to his son, Stephen Watson.

Nicknamed “Bugsy” for his aggressive play, Mr. Watson was only 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, but he stood up to larger players and bigger stars, such as Chicago’s Bobby Hull and Boston’s Bobby Orr. His knack for scrappy play made him one of the most penalized players in league history upon his retirement, as he sported countless stitches, broken noses and black eyes in his 877 National Hockey League games.