The hockey world mourns the loss of an all-time great as New York Rangers Hall of Famer Rod Gilbert has passed away. The Rangers announced that “Mr. Ranger”, the franchise leader in points, died today at the age of 80. The team released a statement for Gilbert’s family at this time. GM Chris Drury stated the following:
Everyone in the Rangers organization mourns the loss of a true New York icon. Rod’s remarkable talent and zest for life personified this city and endeared him to hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike. Growing up a young Rangers fan, one of the first names I ever heard about was Rod Gilbert – he was synonymous with Rangers hockey. It was an incredible privilege to get to know Rod. His passion and dedication to the Rangers will forever be a source of inspiration for me.”
Gilbert, whose No. 7 hangs in rafters of Madison Square Garden, recorded 406 goals and 1,021 points in 1,065 career NHL games – all with the Rangers. He is the franchise leader in both marks and the only player to every pass the 400-goal and 1000-point threshold for New York. A member of the famed GAG “Goal-A-Game” line with with Jean Ratelle and Vic Hadfield, Gilbert was an eight-time All-Star and Bill Masterton Award winner.
However, Gilbert truly earned the name “Mr. Ranger” from his involvement with the team well after his playing days. Gilbert was omnipresent at Madison Square Garden in community outreach roles with the Rangers, as well as working with alumni and in many charitable capacities. A beloved and respected member of the Rangers organization and the NHL family at large, Gilbert will be missed.
This is so sad seeing the players I grew up in awe of passing away. I remember when I would find a Rod Gilbert or Tony Esposito card in a hockey card pack and think of how lucky I was.
RIP, Rod.
I remember having a rookie Tony Esposito card and I sort of gambled it for a Ken Dryden rookie card.
In the basement of Elementary School all the kids would hang out when the weather was bad and we would flip the cards against the wall. The closest to the wall gets both cards. I won and thus had both rookie goaltender hockey cards. Best day of my life to that point.
Sad news for the hockey world. Rod Gilbert was one of my favorite Rangers while growing up. My heartfelt condolences to the Gilbert family and to all Rangers fans. Thank you for the memories, sir, you will be missed.
Tough day for all long time hockey fans. Rod Gilbert was a great player and a classy guy.
Sleep well, Mr. Gilbert. You were a great in my younger days, and a classy great to boot.
RIP Rod Gilbert. Grew up watching you as a boy.
So many awesome memories, thanks to you.
You were truly the greatest ranger on and off the ice. You will remain a class act for all hockey fans
You are missed!!
Very sad evening and day. My all time favorite hockey player. RIP Mr. Ranger.