Rod Gilbert, a Hockey Hall of Famer who starred at right wing for the New York Rangers for parts of 18 seasons, died at the age of 80.
The Rangers announced Gilbert’s passing Sunday, memorializing the player who earned the nickname “Mr. Ranger” and spent his entire NHL career with the franchise.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rod Gilbert — one of the greatest Rangers to ever play for our organization and one of the greatest ambassadors the game of hockey has ever had,” Madison Square Garden Sports executive chairman James Dolan said in a statement.
“While his on-ice achievements rightly made him a Hall of Famer, it was his love for the Rangers and the people of New York that endeared him to generations of fans and forever earned him the title, ‘Mr. Ranger.’ Our thoughts are with Rod’s wife, Judy, and the entire Gilbert family during this difficult time. They will always be a part of the Rangers family.”
Gilbert became the first Rangers player to have his jersey number retired. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982.
From 1960 to 1978, Gilbert appeared in 1,065 career games and scored 1,021 points (406 goals, 615 assists).
The Montreal native overcame a junior hockey injury that could have derailed his career. When he was 19, he broke a vertebra in his back when he slipped on some debris on the ice during a game. He was paralyzed for two months and needed a spinal fusion surgery in order to heal and eventually return to hockey.
An eight-time All-Star, Gilbert also won the Bill Masterton Trophy in 1976, the league’s honor for “the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.”
“Everyone in the Rangers organization mourns the loss of a true New York icon,” Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury said. “Rod’s remarkable talent and zest for life personified this city and endeared him to hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike. Growing up a young Rangers fan, one of the first names I ever heard about was Rod Gilbert — he was synonymous with Rangers hockey. It was an incredible privilege to get to know Rod. His passion and dedication to the Rangers will forever be a source of inspiration for me.”
–Field Level Media