Ranger,’ has died (CNN)Hall of Fame ice-hockey player Rod Gilbert, fondly referred to as “Mr.
Ranger,” died on Sunday.
He was 80 years old.
His death was confirmed by the National league during a handout mourning Gilbert’s loss and highlighting his impact.
The explanation for his death wasn’t revealed.
Gilbert, who earned the nickname “Mr.
Ranger” while playing his entire 18-season career with the ny Rangers from 1960 to 1978, was the primary player ever to possess his number retired by the team.
“Everyone within the Rangers organization mourns the loss of a real ny icon,” Rangers President Chris Drury said within the release.
“Growing up a young Rangers fan, one among the primary names I ever heard about was Rod Gilbert – he was synonymous with Rangers hockey.
” Gilbert’s No.
7 banner has hung within the rafters at Madison Square Garden since 1979.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rod Gilbert – one among the best Rangers to ever play for our organization and one among the best ambassadors the sport of hockey has ever had,” Madison Square Garden Sports Corp executive chairman James Dolan said during a statement.
“While his on-ice achievements rightly made him a Hall of Famer, it had been his love for the Rangers and therefore the people of latest York that endeared him to generations of fans and forever earned him the title, ‘Mr.
Ranger.
‘” “Our thoughts are with Rod’s wife, Judy, and therefore the entire Gilbert family during this difficult time.
they’re going to always be a neighborhood of the Rangers family, he added.
