(CNN)Hall of Fame hockey subordinate Rod Gilbert, fondly known arsenic "Mr. Ranger," died connected Sunday. He was 80 years old.
His decease was confirmed by the National Hockey League successful a press release mourning Gilbert's nonaccomplishment and highlighting his impact. The origin of his decease was not revealed.
Gilbert, who earned the nickname "Mr. Ranger" portion playing his full 18-season vocation with the New York Rangers from 1960 to 1978, was the archetypal subordinate ever to person his fig retired by the team.
"Everyone successful the Rangers enactment mourns the nonaccomplishment of a existent New York icon," Rangers President Chris Drury said successful the release. "Growing up a young Rangers fan, 1 of the archetypal names I ever heard astir was Rod Gilbert - helium was synonymous with Rangers hockey."
Gilbert's No. 7 banner has hung successful the rafters astatine Madison Square Garden since 1979.
"I americium profoundly saddened by the passing of Rod Gilbert - 1 of the top Rangers to ever play for our enactment and 1 of the top ambassadors the crippled of hockey has ever had," Madison Square Garden Sports Corp enforcement president James Dolan said successful a statement. "While his on-ice achievements rightly made him a Hall of Famer, it was his emotion for the Rangers and the radical of New York that endeared him to generations of fans and everlastingly earned him the title, 'Mr. Ranger.'"
"Our thoughts are with Rod's wife, Judy, and the full Gilbert household during this hard time. They volition ever beryllium a portion of the Rangers family, helium added.
The Montreal-born scorer tallied 406 goals and 615 assists successful his career, retiring with the 2nd astir points by a close winger successful NHL past down the legendary Gordie Howe.
Gilbert was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame successful 1982. The eight-time All-Star inactive ranks archetypal connected the Rangers' all-time goals and points lists.
"Rod Gilbert's interaction connected the National Hockey League and the New York Rangers implicit the past 62 years was profound -- some connected and disconnected the ice," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said successful a property release. "As a player, helium was revered by his teammates, respected by his opponents and perfectly beloved by Rangers' fans."
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