New York Islanders legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Clark Gillies has died at 67, the team announced Friday.
“The entire Islanders community is devastated by the loss of Clark Gillies,” Islanders president and general manager Lou Lamoriello wrote in a statement. “He epitomized what it means to be a New York Islander. The pride he felt wearing the Islanders sweater on the ice was evident by his willingness to do anything to win. Off the ice, he was just as big of a presence, always taking the time to give back to the local community. The New York Islanders have four Stanley Cups because of the sacrifices he and the members of those dynasty teams made for the franchise. On behalf of the entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to the entire Gillies family.”
Gillies was drafted by the Islanders fourth overall in the 1974 NHL Draft and played 872 games with the team, scoring 304 goals and 663 points. He helped the Islanders win four straight Stanley Cups from 1980-1983.
After his time with on Long Island, Gillies spent his final two seasons with the Buffalo Sabres before retiring in 1988.
The Moose Jaw, Sask., native was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002. His No. 9 was retired by the Islanders in 1996.
We are saddened to learn about the passing of Hockey Hall of Famer and former Buffalo Sabre, Clark Gillies. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/vVieb4qyyp
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) January 22, 2022
“The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Clark Gillies, a tower of strength on the ice for the dynastic New York Islanders of the early 1980s and a pillar of the Long Island community ever since,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “Gillies helped define the term ‘power forward’ during a 14-season, Hall of Fame career with the Islanders and Buffalo Sabres that was highlighted by winning four straight Stanley Cups with the Islanders.
“His 319 goals and 378 assists in 958 NHL games — and his 47 goals and 47 assists in 164 Stanley Cup Playoff games — reflected his talent. The adoration and admiration of his teammates reflected the heart and passion he brought to our game. We send our deepest condolences to his family and his countless friends and fans.”