Devastating News as Former Pittsburgh Penguins Draft Pick Sadly Passes Away

The Pittsburgh Penguins are one of the oldest expansion teams in the NHL, first coming into the league for the 1967-68 season.

One of the team's earliest prospects was Guido Tenesi, who was born and raised in the United States to a family of Italian Immigrants.

Tenesi was selected in the 5th round, 71st overall by the Penguins in the 1973 draft after he put up 22 points in 37 games as a defenseman with the Oshawa Generals.

Sadly, the 71-year-old passed away today according to an announcement from the Hersey Bears of the American Hockey League, one of the teams Tenesi played for in his lengthy pro career.

Guido appeared in just 14 games across two seasons with the Bears and never recorded a point at the AHL level.

He would go on to play three seasons in the sr. NAHL before moving on to the IHL, two leagues that are now both defunct.

Following the 1979-80 season he would go to Italy where he continued his pro career, playing six seasons split between four different clubs.

Tenesi proved to be a star in that league as he recorded 129 goals and 310 points in just 158 games.

With all of that being said, Tenesi's accolades extend beyond the ice as he also became a part of hockey history when he was cast to play Billy Charlebois in the classic film "Slapshot."

While his character did not have a speaking role in the movie, he appearance alone was enough to make him a niche celebrity in the hockey world.

Guido will be deeply missed by his friends, family, former teammates, and his fans. Rest in peace Guido.