Gino Odjick, who gained a reputation during his 12-year NHL career as an enforcer and fan favorite, has died at the age of 52.
Odjick had been diagnosed with amyloidosis in 2014, which attacks the organs and the heart. Odjick reportedly died of a heart attack at a Vancouver hospital.
According to the CBC, the details of his death were confirmed by the Vancouver Canucks and his sister, Dina Odjick, on Sunday.
“Our hearts are broken. My brother Gino Odjick has left us for the spirit world,” Dina said on Facebook.
Odjick played from 1990 to 2002, spending the bulk of his time with Vancouver. He also played three seasons for the New York Islanders, two seasons for the Philadelphia Flyers, and two seasons for the Montreal Canadiens. Nicknamed the “Algonquin Assassin,” he led the league in penalty minutes during the 1996-1997 season and holds the Canucks franchise record for minutes in the penalty box with 2,127.
“The New York Islanders are deeply saddened to learn the passing of former family member, Gino Odjick,” the team shared on Twitter. “The team extends our condolences to the Odjick family and friends.”
The New York Islanders are deeply saddened to learn the passing of former family member, Gino Odjick. The team extends our condolences to the Odjick family and friends. pic.twitter.com/USnJpOGI77
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 16, 2023
“Gino was a fan-favourite from the moment he joined the organization, putting his heart and soul into every shift on and off the ice,” said the Canucks in a statement. “The entire Canucks organization extends our heartfelt support condolences and love to all of Gino’s family and friends.”
Rest in peace 💙 pic.twitter.com/Jg1UDO4pFe
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) January 16, 2023
Per the CBC, after he retired in 2002, Odjick’s focus shifted to being an Indigenous role model, staging workshops throughout British Columbia and promoting anti-bullying stances.
[CBC]
