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Statement on behalf of Blackhawks President Rocky Wirtz:
“The Blackhawks and the National Hockey League have lost a legend in Tony Esposito, who passed away today after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. As we mourn with his wife Marilyn, sons Mark (Kim) and Jason, and grandchildren Lauren and Kamryn, we celebrate Tony’s life and contributions to the Blackhawks and the community.
Tony was one of the most important and popular figures in franchise history as he approached his 100th birthday. Four generations of our family – my grandfather Arthur, my father Bill, my son Danny and I – have been blessed by his work ethic as a Hall of Fame goaltender, but more importantly, by his simple presence and spirit.
Likewise, four generations of hockey fans have come to love Tony. We were fortunate enough to withdraw him from the Montreal Canadiens on June 15, 1969, for $ 25,000. The Blackhawks had finished last in the Eastern Division the previous season. Tony immediately took over as the No. 1 goaltender and led the Blackhawks to an unprecedented jump to first place in his debut season while recording 15 shutouts, still a modern record.
He was tireless, reliable and a great teammate. If you were a new player in Chicago, Tony and Marilyn always made you feel welcome and at ease. The rookies were invited to their homes for countless dinners, and when the Espositos threw their annual Christmas party, everyone associated with the Blackhawks was in attendance. Everyone, whether you’re an established veteran or an impressed rookie.
Tony’s number 35 has been retired for a long time, but his career with the Blackhawks has actually encompassed two wonderful chapters. After all these years making spectacular stops and hearing chants of “TO-NEE !! TO-NEE !!” throughout the stadium, he joined the Blackhawks as an ambassador. He was also born for this role, as he contacted – whether on request or on his own – fans, sponsors and friends of our team. He threw out thousands of pucks in his first job, he never said no in his second job.
It’s a sad day for the Blackhawks and for all of hockey. But with his wonderful family, let’s celebrate a life well lived. Tony Esposito’s banner will be a part of the United Center forever, as will his legacy as a superstar, on and off the ice. “
Video: Tony Esposito won Vezina, Calder in 1969-70
Tony Esposito has played all but one of his 16 seasons in the NHL with the Blackhawks, won the Vézina Trophy three times as the league’s top goaltender (1970, 1972, 1974) and received the Calder Memorial Trophy in 1970 for the best rookie in the NHL. He remains the franchise leader of all time in shutouts (74) and career wins (418). He set a team record with 15 shutouts in the 1969-70 season. His career NHL record of 423-306-151 ranks him 10th in league history. Esposito had seven consecutive seasons with more than 30 victories (1969-76). Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988, where he joined his brother, Phil, who played 18 seasons in the NHL. Tony Esposito’s number 35 was retired by the Blackhawks on November 20, 1988 at Chicago Stadium. In 2017, Esposito was named one of the “100 Greatest Players in NHL History” by the NHL. Esposito has been an ambassador for the Blackhawks team since March 19, 2008. He was honored at the United Center that night in a pre-game ceremony where he joined Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita who had previously received the award. title with the team.
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