Islanders legend Mike Bossy, whose scoring touch helped drive the franchise to four straight championships, died after a battle with terminal lung cancer. He was 65.
Bossy’s diagnosis became public last October, when he stepped away from his job as an NHL analyst for the French language network TVA Sports to deal with his health.
The battle I am about to wage will not be easy, Know that I will give 100 percent, nothing less, with the objective of meeting you again soon, after a very eventful hockey game. You will never be very far in my thoughts. On the contrary, you will occupy a privileged place and you will be one of my motivations to get better.
Mikey Bossy
Bossy played the entirety of his 10-year career on Long Island, earning a place as both a franchise great and one of the best goal scorers the sport has ever seen, before retiring with a chronic back injury.
He finished his career with 573 goals, scoring over 50 in nine straight seasons, an all-time record. Famously, he scored 50 goals in 50 games during the 1980-81 season, matching Maurice “Rocket” Richard’s record.
The New York Islanders organization mourns the loss of Mike Bossy, an icon not only on Long Island but across the entire hockey world.
Lou lamorielloIslanders president and general manager
His drive to be the best every time he stepped on the ice was second to none... we send our deepest condolences to the entire Bossy family and all those who grieve this tragic loss.
Lou lamorielloIslanders president and general manager
He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991, with a list of accolades that includes eight All-Star appearances, three Lady Byng Trophies, the 1981-82 Conn Smythe Trophy and the 1977-78 Calder Trophy.
His death is another blow to the Islanders, who have now lost three members of the 1979-80 championship team that kicked off one of the sport’s greatest dynasties since January. Clark Gillies passed away on Jan. 21, Jean Potvin on March 15.
Bossy is survived by his wife, Lucie, his two daughters, Josiane and Tanya, and two grandchildren.