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Esposito was a NHL goalie for 16 seasons from 1968 to 1984. After being a member of the Montreal Canadiens, 1968-69 Stanley Cup champions as a rookie, Esposito joined the Blackhawks, where he was a rookie. played the last 15 seasons of his NHL career.
“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,” said the President of the Blackhawks, Rocky Wirtz.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement: “The National Hockey League, the Chicago Blackhawks and the City of Chicago lost a beloved member of the hockey family earlier today with the death of Tony Esposito. From the 1960s through an illustrious playing career and decades as a franchise icon, Tony left an indelible mark – both on the ice and in the community – over the next 52 years. “
Esposito has been an NHL star six times, including five consecutive seasons between 1970 and 1974. He won the Vézina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender three times – 1970, 1972, 1974 – and was named best rookie NHL goalie in 1970.
Esposito was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988, following in the footsteps of his older brother Phil Esposito, inducted in 1984.
“Tony was one of the most important and popular figures in franchise history as he approached his 100th birthday,” said Wirtz. “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 its spirit.
“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. “
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