Mike Bossy’s family at Bell Centre for emotional tribute prior to Habs-Isles game

As you know, Mike Bossy, one of the NHL’s most prolific goal-scorers and a star for the New York Islanders during their 1980s dynasty, died after a battle with lung cancer at just 65 years old on Friday.

The hockey world is devastated, but in one of those incredible coincidences, the Islanders are in Montreal, his hometown, for tonight’s game.

The Canadiens put together a tribute, one that was slightly delayed because the crowd was chanting, “Carey, Carey!” since goalie Carey Price is playing for the first time in nine months.

Prior to the game, his daughter Tanya and his granddaughters attended the contest and took part in the emotional tribute given to Mike Bossy.

What a moving and classy tribute by the Canadiens. At the end, the camera showed one of Bossy's daughters and granddaughters thinking of him. How moving. 

The Florida Panthers, who are hosting the Winnipeg Jets tonight, also held a moment of silence in remembrance of Bossy. 

Bossy an eight-time All-Star had announced last October that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. The illness forced him to step away from his analyst job at TVA Sports.

A four-time Stanley Cup winner with the Islanders (1980-83), he recorded 1,126 points (573 goals, 553 assists) in 752 career games. He spent his entire 10-season NHL career with the team. He won the 1978 Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL rookie of the year, and the 1982 Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs. He also was a three-time Lady Byng Memorial Trophy recipient (1982-83, 1983-84, 1985-86). Bossy was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991.

A chronic back injury forced Bossy to retire following the 1986-87 season at just 30 years old. But his love for hockey kept him involved in the sports, devoted for hockey, but most importantly his family.
Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, fans and loved ones. This is tragic news. A true gentleman is gone.

We think of his family, friends, loved ones and fans at this difficult time.