Montrealer Rod Gilbert, former New York Rangers star and Hockey Hall of Fame member, passed away on Sunday at the age of 80.
The New York team shared the news on its website, and several players in the hockey world are in mourning.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rod Gilbert,” said James Dolan, director of Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. “He was one of the best Rangers to play for the organization and one of the greatest ambassadors hockey has known. He performed at a Hall of Fame level, but it remains his love of the Rangers and New York City that captured the hearts of generations of fans and earned him the nickname ” Mr. Ranger “. Our thoughts are with Rod’s wife, Judy, and his entire family. ”
For many, Gilbert was not only a hockey player, but a source of inspiration and a role model from many points of view.
“Everyone in New York is in mourning for the loss of a city icon,” said team general manager Chris Drury. Rod’s remarkable talent and zest personified this city and made it endearing to fans and non-fans of hockey. I grew up as a Rangers fan and Rod Gilbert is one of the first names I knew. It is synonymous with Rangers hockey. It was an incredible privilege to get to know Rod. His passion and engagement with the Rangers has always been a source of inspiration for me. ”
Gilbert was with the Rangers for 18 seasons, from the 1960-61 season to the 1977-78 season. When he bowed out in 1977, he was second in history, behind Gordie Howe, in points scored in the National Hockey League (NHL) by a right winger. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1892.
The number 7 jersey of the Quebecer was the first to be withdrawn in the heights of Madison Square Garden, on October 14, 1979. An arena even bears his name in the Pointe-aux-Trembles borough in Montreal.
In his career total, Gilbert has collected 1021 points, including 406 goals, in 1065 games. He’s been in 79 postseason playoffs, but he’s never been able to taste a Stanley Cup conquest.
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