Mike Bossy, a former legendary player for the New York Islanders, has died.
Mike Bossy, a former New York Islanders winger and NHL Hall of Famer, died of lung cancer at the age of 65. The Islanders are in mourning. They released a statement confirming his death and paying tribute to the legendary player.
“The New York Islanders are deeply saddened to learn the passing of the greatest pure goal scorer, four-time Stanley Cup Champion, and Hockey of Fame member, Mike Bossy. His drive to be the best every time he stepped on the ice was second to none. Along with his teammates, he helped win four straight Stanley Cup championships, shaping the history of this franchise forever. On behalf of the entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to the entire Bossy family and all those who grieve this tragic loss,” -Islanders President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello, via The US Sun
Mike Bossy: Who was he?
On and off the ice, Bossy was a fighter. He had a successful NHL career and set several franchise records with the Islanders. He was a member of the team that won four consecutive Stanley Cups and is the all-time regular-season goal leader with 573 goals. When he joined the team, he immediately became a scoring powerhouse, and he played a critical role in shaping the team into what it is today.
With an average of 0.76 goals per game over a 10-year career, he accomplished a lot. Until his last season, which ended early due to injury, he averaged at least 50 points per season.
The NHL took notice of him quickly and will never forget his impact. He retired in 1987 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame the following year, only five years later. In 2017, Bossy was also named to the NHL’s list of the 100 greatest players of all time. The news of his death is a tragedy for the entire NHL.
“The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Mike Bossy, the dynamic winger whose goal-scoring prowess during a remarkable 10-year career ranks, by almost any measure, as one of the greatest in NHL history and propelled the New York Islanders to four straight Stanley Cups,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, via CNN Sports
Last October, Bossy made his diagnosis public on TVA Sports. His words were filled with determination to fight, just like he did on the ice.
“Today, it is with great sorrow that I have to withdraw from your screens, for an obligatory break. A necessary stop during which I will have to receive treatment for lung cancer. I can assure you that I intend to fight with all the determination and all the passion that you have seen me display on the ice and in my game.” -Mike Bossy, via TMZ
Bossy will be remembered for his dedication and hard work both on and off the ice.
Mike Bossy, an Islanders and NHL legend, died at the age of 65.
