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Hockey World in Mourning as Former No. 1 Overall Pick and NHL GM Passes Away
Photo credit: Edit from The New York Times
Sad news has emerged out of the hockey world, as former number one overall pick and first ever GM of the Ottawa Senators, Mel Bridgman, has died.
Mel Bridgman, the first general manager in Ottawa Senators history and a respected NHL veteran, has passed away. He was 70 years old.
Bridgman, a talented two-way centre, played 14 years in the NHL for five teams: the Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings, and Vancouver Canucks.
Mel Bridgman was the captain of the Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers drafted him first overall in 1975, and he quickly became a staple in town, acting as team captain from 1979 to 1981 and helping the team to two Stanley Cup Final appearances, in 1976 and 1980.
"The Flyers are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Mel Bridgman, who was the Flyers first and only player drafted first overall by the club in 1975," the team said in a statement. "Bridgman spent a majority of his NHL career in Orange & Black where he appeared in 462 regular season games and another 74 Stanley Cup playoff games over parts of seven seasons from 1975 to 1981.
"A prototypical power forward who exemplified Flyers style-hockey, Bridgman also served as captain of the Flyers for parts of three seasons from 1979-1981. A smart, two-way forward, he helped lead the team to two Stanley Cup Final appearances in 1976 and 1980. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mel's family and friends during this very difficult time."
"A prototypical power forward who exemplified Flyers style-hockey, Bridgman also served as captain of the Flyers for parts of three seasons from 1979-1981. A smart, two-way forward, he helped lead the team to two Stanley Cup Final appearances in 1976 and 1980. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mel's family and friends during this very difficult time."
In 977 NHL games, Bridgman recorded 701 points (252 goals, 449 assists), plus 67 points in 125 playoff contests. His most prolific offensive year came in 1981-82, when he notched 75 points in just 63 games for Calgary after a midseason trade.
Born in Trenton, Ontario, Bridgman later captained the New Jersey Devils for three seasons before concluding his career with Detroit and Vancouver.
A natural leader and one of the most professional players of his time, Bridgman went on to become a general manager with the expansion Ottawa Senators in 1991. He led the club through its first NHL season in 1992-93.
Bridgman's hockey life was emblematic of intelligence, competitiveness, and class, which commanded respect for him both on and off the ice. His passing leaves an indelible mark on each organization he helped mold. May he rest in peace.
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NOVEMBRE 9 | 33 ANSWERS Hockey World in Mourning as Former No. 1 Overall Pick and NHL GM Passes Away Rest in peace Mel | ||
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