Clark Gillies, Hockey Hall of Famer and 4-Time Stanley Cup Champion, Dead at 67: 'It's Tragic'

Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty

Clark Gillies, a Hockey Hall of Famer and 4-time Stanley Cup champion with theNew York Islanders, has died. He was 67.

On Friday, theNational Hockey League (NHL)announced Gillies' death in astatementfrom commissioner Gary Bettman.

“The adoration and admiration of his teammates reflected the heart and passion he brought to our game,” he added. “We send our deepest condolences to his family and his countless friends and fans.”

A cause of death for Gillies was not immediately made available.

Denis Brodeur/NHLI via Getty

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Once the captain of the Islanders, Gillies played in 872 games, scoring 304 goals and 359 assists for 663 points. Gillies was also one of 17 Islanders players who won four straight Stanley Cup championships from 1980 to 1983.

Back in 2002, Gillies was inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame. His No. 9 jersey was retired on December 7, 1996, and his banner now hangs in the newly-opened UBS Arena on Long Island, New York.

Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty

Alongside his career as a skilled hockey player, Gillies also played an instrumental part in giving back to his community, the NHL reported.

The late athlete beganThe Clark Gillies Foundation, “a non-profit corporation developed to help children who are physically, mentally, or financially challenged,” according to its website.

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“The goal of the foundation is to improve the quality of life with 100% of the proceeds going straight to people in need,” the NHL said.

The Huntington Hospital Pediatric Unit was also named after Gillies and his foundation, which raised $1 million dollars to aid in the building’s construction.

“Off the ice, he was just as big of a presence, always taking the time to give back to the local community,” Lamoriello continued. “The New York Islanders have four Stanley Cups because of the sacrifices he and the members of those dynasty teams made for the franchise. On behalf of the entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to the entire Gillies family.”

“Anytime you ran into ‘Clarkie’, it was a wonderful experience. Great conversation,” current Islanders captain Anders Lee said in his own statement. “He lived and breathed Islander hockey, and my heart goes out to his family and all of his friends and the people he’s touched since he’s been here on the Island. It’s a sad day.”

Added Islanders forward Matt Martin: “It’s tragic, to be honest with you. Clarkie’s always gone out of his way to welcome players into the organization. I think he epitomizes everything that being a New York Islander is. He walks into a room, he’s charismatic, he carries a room.”

source: people.com