Tony Esposito, former player of the Chicago Blackhawks, has passed away aged 78.
It was announced on Tuesday that the NHL legend had died after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
In the wake of his death, Gary Bettman said: “The hockey world will miss him greatly.
"The NHL family extends its deepest sympathies to his wife Marilyn, sons Mark and Jason, and grandchildren Lauren and Kamryn.”
Former player and Blackhawks defenseman Doug Wilson was heartbroken and sang the praises of his ex teammate.
The ex-hockey player said: "He (Esposito) exuded leadership and class while being one of the most dominant players ever seen at his position."
NHL columnist Dave Stubbs gave an emotional tribute in which he said: “No words for this heartbreak. You were a legend. A wonderful storyteller.
“You and Marilyn were my delightful hosts at your home, Sinatra's "Summer Wind" in your jukebox.
"The best dining companion. A dear friend. I'll miss you more than I can say. Godspeed, Tony Esposito.”
Esposito was born in Canada and represented the Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens in a playing career that spanned 17 years.
The goaltender was one of the pioneers of the now popular butterfly style and was named one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players' in history.
He won the Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1969 and was named the NHL First All-Star Team Goalie on three occasions: 1970, 1972 and 1980.
After retiring in 1984, Esposito was inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988 and his number 35 jersey was retired by the Blackhawks, who also named him a team ambassador.
The club sent out a tweet which read: “We are heartbroken to have lost a legend in Tony Esposito, who passed away today after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.”
The hockey great leaves behind his wife Marilyn, two sons, and two grandchildren.
