Islanders legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Bossy passes away

The New York Islanders are mourning the loss of their former legendary player Mike Bossy.

Former New York Islanders winger and NHL Hall of Famer Mike Bossy passed away at 65 years old to lung cancer. The Islanders are mourning the loss. They issued a statement confirming his death and remembering the legendary player.

"“The New York Islanders are deeply saddened to learn the passing of the greatest pure goal scorer, four-time Stanley Cup Champion, and Hockey of Fame member, Mike Bossy. 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 straight Stanley Cup championships, shaping the history of this franchise forever. On behalf of the entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to the entire Bossy family and all those who grieve this tragic loss,” -Islanders President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello, via The US Sun"

Who was Mike Bossy?

Bossy was a fighter both on and off the ice. He had a successful career in the NHL and broke several franchise records with the Islanders. He helped the team win four straight Stanley Cups and remains the all-time regular-season goal leader with 573 goals. He instantly became a powerhouse in scoring when he joined the team, and he played a pivotal role in what the team has become today.

He accomplished a lot in his 10-year career with an average of 0.76 goals per game. He scored at least 50 games per season until his last season, which ended early due to injury.

The NHL noticed him quickly and never forgot his impact. He retired in 1987 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame just five years later. Bossy was also named to the NHL’s 100 all-time greatest players list in 2017. The news of his passing is a tragedy among the entirety of the NHL.

"“The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Mike Bossy, the dynamic winger whose goal-scoring prowess during a remarkable 10-year career ranks, by almost any measure, as one of the greatest in NHL history and propelled the New York Islanders to four straight Stanley Cups,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, via CNN Sports"

Bossy publicly announced his diagnosis on TVA Sports last October. His statement was made with determination to fight, just as he did on the ice.

"“Today, it is with great sorrow that I have to withdraw from your screens, for an obligatory break. A necessary stop during which I will have to receive treatment for lung cancer. I can assure you that I intend to fight with all the determination and all the passion that you have seen me display on the ice and in my game.” -Mike Bossy, via TMZ"

Bossy will always be remembered for his hard work and dedication both on and off the ice.