Pierre Pilote, a Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman who won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1961 died Saturday. He was 85.
A three-time James Norris Memorial Trophy winner as the NHL’s best defenseman, Pilote scored 80 goals with 419 assists in 890 career games. He played 13 seasons in Chicago before playing the 1968-69 season in Toronto.
The Blackhawks retired Pilote’s No. 3 jersey in a joint ceremony with Keith Magnuson Nov. 12, 2008.
Here’s how the hockey community and others reacted to his death:
#Blackhawks statement on Pierre Pilote. pic.twitter.com/4LDBQSy4hq
— Brian Sandalow (@BrianSandalow) September 10, 2017
The @MapleLeafs offer their sincere condolences to the family of legendary defenseman and former Leaf Pierre Pilote on his passing. pic.twitter.com/DAKhuOK896
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) September 10, 2017
Very sad to hear of Pierre Pilote passing. HOF @NHLBlackhawks dman who was very gracious to share his #3 retirement with my Dad and family.
— Kevin Magnuson (@kevinmags27) September 10, 2017
Early in @Blackhawks captaincy, Pierre Pilote’s C was on jersey’s “wrong” side. Pierre: “Our trainer didn’t know which damn side to sew it!” pic.twitter.com/R1W9wsWk98
— Dave Stubbs (@Dave_Stubbs) September 10, 2017
.@Blackhawks @HockeyHallFame icon Pierre Pilote was celebrated by @canadapost on a stamp in 2005 pic.twitter.com/LjxARSwlLD
— Dave Stubbs (@Dave_Stubbs) September 10, 2017
Permanent Pierre Pilote display in @Blackhawks @HockeyHallFame legend’s hometown of Jonquière, Quebec pic.twitter.com/91AnRuh4eq
— Dave Stubbs (@Dave_Stubbs) September 10, 2017
It’s with a heavy heart that my good friend Pierre Pilote passed away today. My thoughts are with his family & he will truly be missed. pic.twitter.com/27z6XxGyv4
— Fergie Jenkins (@31fergiejenkins) September 10, 2017
Aside from Stan Mikita, there’s no other #Blackhawks player I would’ve liked to have seen play in their prime than Pierre Pilote.
— Second City Hockey🏒 (@2ndCityHockey) September 10, 2017
Rest In Peace, Pierre Pilote. Blackhawks legend and an all-time great defenseman. pic.twitter.com/1KRhVwWvcZ
— Chief (@BarstoolChief) September 10, 2017
Spoke with Pierre Pilote more than a few times over the years. Very nice man.
He’ll be missed.
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) September 10, 2017
RIP Pierre Pilote
— Jay Zawaski (@JayZawaski670) September 10, 2017
There were plenty of issues with the 100 Greatest NHL Players list, but chief among them was that Pierre Pilote was not included
— Mike Commito (@mikecommito) September 10, 2017
Pierre Pilote, who played in Chicago and Toronto, has passed away at 85. He was an elite defenceman. Smart. Fearless. And a great teammate.
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) September 10, 2017
Pierre Pilote was one of the kindest souls I had the pleasure of knowing. May he rest in peace. https://t.co/jN7U8GTrQd
— Christine Simpson (@SNChrisSimpson) September 10, 2017