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Rod Gilbert, the New York Rangers all-time leading scorer, died Aug. 22. He was 80.
The Montreal-born Gilbert was honored with the John V. Mara Sportsmanship Award at the annual CYO Club of Champions Dinner in 2013.
“Growing up in a Catholic household, saying the Rosary once a week with my mom and going to Mass was part of my childhood and something that just to this day has remained with me,” said Gilbert at the dinner.
“When I came to New York, I came with my friend Frank Gifford (a former New York Giants star, a National Football League Hall of Famer and the 1963 recipient of the CYO Club of Champions John V. Mara award) to a CYO event and ever since then I’ve remained close to the organization,” Gilbert added. “The CYO represents a lot of good, and I’m proud to be here tonight.”
Gilbert, who was known as Mr. Ranger, played his entire 18-year NHL career with the Rangers. He finished with team records of 406 goals and 1021 points. His 615 assists are second to Brian Leetch’s 741.
He added 34 goals and 33 assists in 79 playoff games. His No. 7 was the first number retired by the Rangers. The eight-time NHL All-Star was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982.
“Everyone in the Rangers organization mourns the loss of a true New York icon,” said Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury in a release. “Rod’s remarkable talent and zest for life personified this city and endeared him to hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike.”
Gilbert is survived by his wife, Judy; his children, Chantal, Justin, Holly and Brooke; his grandchildren, Arielle, Owen, Kaya, Jordyn, Lila, Logan and Damon; and his siblings, Jean Marie and André.
