Blackhawks Legend and Hall of Famer Tony Esposito Passes Away at 78

Sad news out of the Chicago Blackhawks world today as the team announced on Tuesday night that legendary goaltender Tony Esposito passed away at the age of 78

Esposito was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988 after spending 16 seasons in the NHL, 15 with the Blackhawks from 1969-1984. His No. 35 was retired by the Blackhawks in 1988 as well.

One of the most recognizable Blackhawks legends, Esposito won the Calder Trophy as the NHL Rookie of the Year in 1969-70, and won three Vezina Trophies as the NHL’s Best Goaltender in 1969-70, 1971-72, and 1973-74.

Esposito holds the Blackhawks all-time records for a goaltender for games played (873), wins (418), shutouts (74), postseason games (99), and postseason shutouts (6).

His character on and off the ice and the stories of Esposito in the Chicago Blackhawks community will only further his legacy beyond what he did in his playing career. Truly a sad day with his passing.

We will always remember Tony-O.

written by

Mario Tirabassi is a writer for Bleacher Nation. You can follow him on Twitter @Mario_Tirabassi.

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