RIP: Tom Lysiak
May 31, 2016 15:13:09 GMT -5
Post by franko on May 31, 2016 15:13:09 GMT -5
as per the Black Hawks
Tom Lysiak, a popular and productive member of the Blackhawks during the 1980s, died on Monday, May 30. He was 63.
Lysiak’s passing after a battle with leukemia was confirmed by his daughter, Jessie, who is married to Justin Braun, a defenseman with the San Jose Sharks. Lysiak’s death occurred only hours before the Sharks were to begin the Stanley Cup Final in Pittsburgh against the Penguins Monday night.
Lysiak, a multi-dimensional center, was the second-overall draft pick of the Atlanta Flames in 1973 behind Denis Potvin, who became an icon with the New York Islanders. Lysiak, a native of High Prairie, Alberta, immediately became a favorite of new fans in the Southeast after Atlanta was granted a National Hockey League expansion franchise in 1972.
Lysiak was runner-up to Potvin for the 1974 Calder Trophy as best rookie. Not by coincidence, two of Lysiak’s frequent linemates subsequently won the Calder Trophy—Eric Vail in 1975 and Willi Plett in 1977.
Lysiak represented the Flames in three straight NHL All-Star Games, served as their captain and endeared himself to the region and his teammates with a rugged two-way style complemented by a fun-loving, easy-going personality.
Late in the 1978-79 season, the Blackhawks were struggling and General Manager Bob Pulford pulled of a massive deal with the Flames. Just before the trade deadline, the Blackhawks acquired Lysiak, Harold Phillipoff, Pat Ribble, Greg Fox and Miles Zaharko in exchange for Ivan Boldirev, Phil Russell and Darcy Rota.
The eight-player transaction, which still stands as one of the most freighted in NHL history, elicited chilly reactions in both cities. Lysiak was the face of the Flames franchise. Boldirev, Russell and Rota were staples in Chicago.
Lysiak, who loved Atlanta and settled on a farm there after retirement, was crushed by the move. His mood did not improve when, upon debuting for the Blackhawks in the Stadium, he noted three bedsheets hanging from the second balcony with tombstones bearing huge black numbers 12, 5 and 18—those worn by Boldirev, Russell and Rota.
But with his talent and drive, Lysiak soon won over Chicago fans. On a roster containing young stars like Denis Savard and Doug Wilson, the latter volunteered that Lysiak was a leader by example and probably the most impactful player on the team. Goalie Tony Esposito, not one to dispense gratuitous praise, opined: “If Lysiak isn’t a hockey player, then I’ve never seen one…He’s unselfish, he puts out for the team, and he’s the same guy on the road as he is at home.”
(there's more)
Tom Lysiak, a popular and productive member of the Blackhawks during the 1980s, died on Monday, May 30. He was 63.
Lysiak’s passing after a battle with leukemia was confirmed by his daughter, Jessie, who is married to Justin Braun, a defenseman with the San Jose Sharks. Lysiak’s death occurred only hours before the Sharks were to begin the Stanley Cup Final in Pittsburgh against the Penguins Monday night.
Lysiak, a multi-dimensional center, was the second-overall draft pick of the Atlanta Flames in 1973 behind Denis Potvin, who became an icon with the New York Islanders. Lysiak, a native of High Prairie, Alberta, immediately became a favorite of new fans in the Southeast after Atlanta was granted a National Hockey League expansion franchise in 1972.
Lysiak was runner-up to Potvin for the 1974 Calder Trophy as best rookie. Not by coincidence, two of Lysiak’s frequent linemates subsequently won the Calder Trophy—Eric Vail in 1975 and Willi Plett in 1977.
Lysiak represented the Flames in three straight NHL All-Star Games, served as their captain and endeared himself to the region and his teammates with a rugged two-way style complemented by a fun-loving, easy-going personality.
Late in the 1978-79 season, the Blackhawks were struggling and General Manager Bob Pulford pulled of a massive deal with the Flames. Just before the trade deadline, the Blackhawks acquired Lysiak, Harold Phillipoff, Pat Ribble, Greg Fox and Miles Zaharko in exchange for Ivan Boldirev, Phil Russell and Darcy Rota.
The eight-player transaction, which still stands as one of the most freighted in NHL history, elicited chilly reactions in both cities. Lysiak was the face of the Flames franchise. Boldirev, Russell and Rota were staples in Chicago.
Lysiak, who loved Atlanta and settled on a farm there after retirement, was crushed by the move. His mood did not improve when, upon debuting for the Blackhawks in the Stadium, he noted three bedsheets hanging from the second balcony with tombstones bearing huge black numbers 12, 5 and 18—those worn by Boldirev, Russell and Rota.
But with his talent and drive, Lysiak soon won over Chicago fans. On a roster containing young stars like Denis Savard and Doug Wilson, the latter volunteered that Lysiak was a leader by example and probably the most impactful player on the team. Goalie Tony Esposito, not one to dispense gratuitous praise, opined: “If Lysiak isn’t a hockey player, then I’ve never seen one…He’s unselfish, he puts out for the team, and he’s the same guy on the road as he is at home.”
(there's more)
