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Inducted into the Hockey of Hall of Fame in
1975, Pilote was a three-time Norris Trophy recipient as the
NHL's top defenseman. He was a member of the 1961 Stanley
Cup-winning Blackhawks and was named captain of the club the
following year.
An eight-time All-Star, Pilote's iron-man streak of 367
consecutive games played spanned from 1956-1962.
"The Chicago Blackhawks offer our sincere condolences to the
family of Pierre Pilote as we mourn his passing," the team said
in a statement on Sunday. "Pierre was one of the most decorated
defenseman in NHL history and was a valuable member of the 1961
Stanley Cup championship team.
"He will be remembered for his toughness, leadership and
reliability on the ice -- as proven by his captaincy and streak
of 376 consecutive games played. We will forever be grateful for
his incredible contribution to the Blackhawks and the game of
hockey."
Commissioner Gary Bettman also added his condolences following
the passing Pilote.
"A consistent, durable, dependable defender who enjoyed the
offensive aspects of the position, Pierre Pilote was a team
captain, an eight-time postseason All-Star and a three-time
Norris Trophy winner," Bettman said in a statement. "Mainstay of
the Blackhawks' 1961 Stanley Cup champion, Pierre also was a man
of humor and great dignity and a proud member of the Hockey Hall
of Fame. The National Hockey League mourns Pierre's passing and
sends heartfelt condolences to his family, teammates and many
friends."
Pilote recorded 498 points (80 goals, 418 assists) during his
14-year career, with the initial 13 seasons being played with
Chicago before his final one in 1968-89 with the Toronto Maple
Leafs. The Blackhawks retired his No. 3 jersey in 2008.
"We are saddened with the passing of our father, but our family
will always remember the Blackhawks organization for providing
us with so many special moments," Pilote's family said in a
statement. "We are so proud of what our father accomplished in
his professional career and thankful that his legacy will be
preserved with the retirement of his No. 3 by the team."
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