Chicago Blackhawks legend and Hockey Hall of Fame member Pierre Pilote passed away Saturday night at the age of 85. The defenceman played 14 NHL seasons, 13 of which were with the Blackhawks from 1956-1968.
Through his fourteen NHL seasons he played 890 games and once had a streak of 376 consecutive games. Pilote captained the team from 1961-1968, captured the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 1961 and earned the Norris Trophy three times (1963, 1964, 1965). He is one of only eight defenceman to accomplish this and is one of the most decorated blue liners in league history.
In 1975 he received the ultimate recognition for his contributions to hockey by being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Pilote is one of only seven Blackhawks legends to have his number retired. An honor he received in November 2008 along with Keith Magnuson who also wore the famed number 3 for the organization.
As an ambassador for the Blackhawks over the last few years you could find him at various events, smiling, having fun with fans and signing lots of autographs. He will be missed by everyone dearly.
His family released the following statement to the Chicago Blackhawks.
"We are saddened with the passing of our father, but our family will always remember the Blackhawks organization for providing us with so many special moments. We are so proud of what our father accomplished in his professional career and thankful that his legacy will be preserved with the retirement of his No. 3 by the team."Follow @Pappy_Hour on Twitter for more Blackhawks news and musings.
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