Hall of Fame goaltender and Chicago Blackhawks legend Tony Esposito dies at 78

Corridor of Fame goaltender Tony Esposito has died on the age of 78. The Chicago Blackhawks icon battled pancreatic most cancers, in line with crew proprietor Rocky Wirtz.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman stated in a statement: 

“The Nationwide Hockey League, the Chicago Blackhawks and town of Chicago misplaced a beloved member of the hockey household earlier immediately with the passing of Tony Esposito. From his arrival within the Windy Metropolis within the late Sixties by means of an illustrious enjoying profession and many years as a franchise icon, Tony left an indelible mark — each on the ice and in the neighborhood — over the subsequent 52 years.”

The assertion continued, saying, “It was Esposito’s model, charisma and coronary heart that endeared him most to hockey followers not solely in Chicago however throughout the NHL. ‘Tony O’ was a fierce competitor who additionally took nice delight in being an entertainer, whether or not it was together with his pioneering butterfly model throughout his enjoying days or interacting with followers throughout the League as one in every of this recreation’s nice ambassadors. The hockey world will miss him enormously.”

Esposito joined the Montreal Canadiens for the 1968-69 season, his first NHL team and solely the third American school participant to be chosen by an NHL crew. 

He joined the Blackhawks within the 1969–70 season when Chicago claimed Esposito from Montreal off waivers. 

Esposito made an affect immediately in Chicago, turning into in All-Star in his first full season with the crew. He would turn out to be a four-time All-Star by the top of his profession. His resume additionally contains the Calder Trophy for rookie of the yr and Vezina Trophy for the NHL’s greatest goaltender thrice.

He performed 15 years with the Blackhawks and is the all-time franchise chief in shutouts (74) and profession wins (418).