Marshall is one of the greatest players that North American hockey has ever seen, despite only playing 33 games in the National Hockey League, all with the Toronto Maple Leafs over several seasons between 1952 and 1959.
During his time in the American Hockey League, which lasted 20 seasons, Marshall established himself as one of the top players, consistently leading the league in goals and points. He won the Calder Cup in 1955 with the Pittsburgh Hornets as well as in 1958 and 1959 with the Hershey Bears.
Marshall retired from hockey in 1972, but still holds the all-time American Hockey League record for most goals (523), points (1,375), assists (852) and games played (1,205). In 2004, the league unveiled the 'Willie Marshall Award', which is given annually to the AHL's top goal scorer. Two years later, he was inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame.