Mike Bossy left an indelible mark on the history of the New York Islanders and they paid a heartfelt tribute to him on Tuesday night at UBS Arena, before their game against the Florida Panthers.
The former Quebec striker died Friday of complications from lung cancer. He was only 65 years old. Bossy played his 10 seasons in the National Hockey League in the uniform of the “Isles”, winning four Stanley Cups along the way. See footage from the ceremony in the video above.
On the ice, the organization projected Bossy’s famous number 22, which has been retired by the team since 1992. The very sober ceremony, punctuated by video extracts from the Montrealer’s career and quotes from him, was able to be observed by her daughter Tanya and her granddaughters Alex and Gabrielle.
“I’m a perfectionist and I like to do things right. If I get into something, I want to do it well, be successful and look good doing it,” Bossy was heard saying.
The UBS Arena announcer detailed the career of the former Laval National, from his Calder trophy in 1978, to the dynasty of the early 1980s, the record of 19 series won consecutively, passing by his three Lady Byng trophies.
“Mike helped shape Islanders history forever, but it wasn’t just because of his on-ice play. He could be seen in the community while playing, or as an alumni, interacting with top NHL fans. Mike Bossy set the standard for any New York Islanders player,” we heard during the ceremony, which lasted about eight minutes.
In images, in pictures
Several of Bossy’s great goals, including his very first on October 13, 1977 on the Buffalo Sabers rink, were shown on the giant screen.
Several former Islanders, including his great accomplice Bryan Trottier, paid tribute to him. The latter mentioned how he could always find his best friend on the ice, which helped him enjoy nine consecutive 50-plus-goal seasons.
In 752 games, Bossy has amassed 1,126 points, including 573 goals. Only two players have reached the 500 achievement mark faster than him: Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.
A moment of silence was reserved in memory of the deceased. As in Montreal a few days earlier, it ended with the crowd chanting Mike Bossy’s name.
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