Former NHL strongman Wayne “Gino” Odjick, who wore the Vancouver Canucks jersey for eight seasons between 1990 and 1998, has died at the age of 52.
The Montreal Canadiens, for whom Odjick played for 13 games, wrote on Twitter that they learned of the ex-player’s death on Sunday. The Canucks also confirmed the news on social media.
Rumors that Odjick had died began to circulate when his sister, Dina, wrote on Facebook: “Our hearts are broken. My brother Gino Odjick left us for the spiritual world. »
Born in Maniwaki, Odjick spent the first eight years of his career with the Canucks, who drafted him in the 1990 auction. He was then traded to the New York Islanders in 1998.
Odjick also played with the Philadelphia Flyers during his 605-game NHL career. He collected 137 points, including 64 goals, during his career, but, above all, 2567 penalty minutes.
In 1994, he was a key part of the edition of the Canucks that made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. He appeared in 10 games in the playoffs, where the Canucks lost in seven games in a robust final series against the Boston Bruins.
The one who made his junior stay with the Laval Titan, in the QMJHL, announced in 2014 that he had been diagnosed with a rare terminal disease called light chain amyloidosis.
Odjick has also given back a lot to the community, especially in Vancouver.
“Gino became one of the fans’ favorite players as soon as he joined the organization. He gave all his energy during each presence on the ice, but also outside of it, “said Canucks president Francesco Aquilini in a press release.
“He inspired many people and was the perfect example of what a Canucks player should be. On a more personal note, Gino was a friend I could confide in, someone I could rely on if I needed help or advice. He will be deeply missed. »
Odjick’s 2,127 penalty minutes with the Canucks is still a club record.