A Sarnia-born NHLer and member of Canada's historic 1972 Summit Series team, has died.
PAT STAPLETON - JULY 4/40 - APL 8/20 It is with much sadness that we inform you of the passing of Team Canada 1972 member Pat Stapleton. Pat was a passionate advocate of the Power of Teamwork message Canada’s Team of the Century held for all Canadians @sportshall @SLegionnaires pic.twitter.com/rglz6eDpBO
— Team Canada 1972 (@TeamCanada1972) April 9, 2020
Patrick "Whitey" Stapleton played 10 seasons in the NHL as a defenceman, eight with the Chicago Blackhawks and two with the Boston Bruins, scoring 43 goals and 294 assists in 635 games.
In a statement, the Blackhawks said the former team captain died Wednesday night due to complications from a stroke.
Stapleton began his junior career in Sarnia with the Legionnaires, leading the team to two Western Jr. 'B' championships and one Sutherland Cup.
Dino Ciccarelli, Darryl Sittler, Pat and Mike Stapleton with co-host Tara Slone, Hometown Hockey Sarnia Dec. 20, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)
During the 1972 Summit Series between Canada and the Soviet Union, Stapleton recorded no points in seven games but was a plus-6. It's also believed that Stapleton picked up the puck from Paul Henderson's series-winning goal and had it stored in his Strathroy home.
In 2005, Stapleton was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
Pat Stapleton was 79.
-With files from Dave Dentinger