New York Islanders legend Mike Bossy has passed away at the age of 65.
The prolific goal scorer announced last October that he was being treated for lung cancer, and had remained out of the public eye over the last few months.
In a statement posted to the team website, the Islanders offered their condolences to the Bossy family: “The New York Islanders organization mourns the loss of Mike Bossy, an icon not only on Long Island but across the entire hockey world,” Islanders President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello said. “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.”
Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991, Bossy’s NHL resume stacks up against the very best to ever play the game. The Montreal, QC native registered 1,126pts (573G, 553A) in only 752 games played, good for a 1.5pts per game ratio for his career.
A 7x All-Star who led the league in scoring twice, Bossy was part of the magical Islanders dynasty of the late 70’s when the franchise captured 4 consecutive Stanley Cups between 1979 and 1983.
That group would go on to set the NHL record for most consecutive playoff series won with 19, a mark that still stands to this day. The former Calder Trophy winner was renowned not only for his goal scoring prowess, but also his sportsmanship, winning the Lady Byng Trophy 3 times throughout his career. No small feat given the rough and tumble reputation of the Islanders dynasty at the time.
Following his playing career Bossy returned to the Islanders organization in a front office role. The 1982 Conn Smythe winner assisted the team with sponsorships as part of their fan development and community relations department.
For his efforts, he was named to the NHL’s top 100 players list during the league’s centennial celebrations in 2017. His number 22 jersey has since been retired by the Islanders organization.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner
Photo: Hendrik Seis. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.