The death of Mike Bossy at the age of 65 following a battle with lung cancer has affected people from all walks of life.
Bossy’s condition had worsened in recent months, and rather than submit to the side effects of further aggressive treatment, he decided to return home earlier this month and enjoy his final moments surrounded by the members. from his family. It was she who confirmed his death on Friday morning.
“The New York Islanders organization mourns the loss of Mike Bossy, an icon not only on Long Island, but throughout the hockey world,” said President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello.
“His drive to be the best every time he stepped on the ice was second to none. Along with his teammates, he helped win four consecutive championships, forever shaping the history of this franchise. On behalf of the entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to the entire Bossy family and to all those who mourn this tragic loss,” he added.
The Canadian, who will host the Islanders in the evening at the Bell Centre, described Bossy as “a true legend of our sport, we will miss him a lot”. A spokesperson for the Montreal organization has also confirmed to The Canadian Press that “a tribute will be paid to him before the game”.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also paid tribute to the Islanders’ pick, 15th overall, in the 1977 NHL Draft.
“The National Hockey League is saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Bossy, a dynamic winger whose prolific offensive flair has enabled him over the course of his 10-season career to be, all parameters combined, one of the greatest players in the history of the NHL and the craftsman of their four consecutive conquests of the Stanley Cup”, could we read in a press release.
“We extend our condolences to his wife, Lucie, and daughters, Josiane and Tanya, to his former Islanders teammates, and to his countless supporters on Long Island, in the New York metropolitan area and throughout the hockey world. . He mesmerized his followers like very few have,” Bettman concluded.
Several ex-colleagues of TVA Sports have also expressed their immense pain at the announcement of his departure. The sports channel has also indicated that it will “pay tribute to this great man all day on our airwaves”.
Bossy had revealed his diagnosis to the public in October 2021, announcing that he would be taking time off from his role as an analyst for TVA Sports in order to fight his illness.
The political world also affected
In politics, the Premier of Quebec, François Legault, said he was also saddened by the death of Bossy.
“Very sad to learn of the passing of the great Mike Bossy. I had the opportunity to meet him a few times. He was so friendly. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, ”he first wrote on Twitter.
“The #22 was quite a scorer: 573 goals in 10 seasons!!! He led the Islanders to 4 Stanley Cup wins along with Bryan Trottier, Clark Gillies, Denis Potvin and Billy Smith. He marked my generation! “, recalled the leader of the Coalition avenir Québec.
The Mayor of Montreal, Valérie Plante, was not left out.
“Mike Bossy was a true hockey legend. His departure leaves many fans in mourning. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, and the people he has inspired throughout his career,” she wrote on Twitter.