Chicago Blackhawks' Tom Lysiak (12) in action against Quebec Nordiques' goalie Michel Dion, during first period NHL action in Quebec City, Wednesday, March 26, 1980. Former NHL all-star Lysiak has died of leukemia. He was 63. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Nadeau
May 30, 2016 - 3:34 PM
Former NHL all-star Tom Lysiak has died of leukemia. He was 63.
Lysiak's daughter confirmed his death on her Twitter account.
The native of High Prairie, Alta., played 13 seasons in the NHL with the Atlanta Flames and Chicago Blackhawks, scoring 292 goals and adding 551 assists over 919 games.
Lysiak was drafted second overall by Atlanta in 1973 and was the runner-up for the rookie of the year award for the 73-74 season, scoring 19 goals and adding 45 assists to help the Flames to their first post-season appearance.
He represented Atlanta in three straight NHL all-star games (1975-77) and led the team in scoring five times.
Lysiak was serving as Flames captain when he was dealt to Chicago in an eight-player deal midway through the 1978-79 season. He led the Blackhawks in scoring in the 1980-81 season with 76 points in 72 games.
He was given a 20-game suspension, one of the longest in NHL history, for tripping linesman Ron Foyt during a 1983 game against the Hartford Whalers.
Prior to joining the Flames, Lysiak starred for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Canadian Hockey League, recording 297 points in 144 games and winning scoring titles in 1972 and 1973. He helped the Tigers to a WCHL title and an appearance at the Memorial Cup in the 1972-73 season.
"Tom is definitely considered to be, by many people, the greatest Tiger player of all time," Tigers president Darrell Maser said in a statement.
Lysiak's daughter Jessica is married to San Jose Sharks defenceman Justin Braun.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2016