Phil Goyette, a former star forward of the Montreal Canadiens, has passed away at the age of 92. The Canadiens organization announced his death on Sunday, stating he died on Saturday. Details regarding the cause of his passing have not been released.
Phil Goyette’s Impressive Career
Born on October 31, 1933, in Lachine, Goyette had a remarkable 16-year career in the NHL. He played for four teams: the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, and Buffalo Sabres.
Cup Victories and Milestones
During his time with the Canadiens, Goyette etched his name into hockey history by winning four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1957 to 1960. He made an unforgettable NHL debut goal on February 23, 1957, against the Rangers.
- First Goal: February 23, 1957, against Lorne Worsley.
- Stanley Cup Wins: 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960.
Trade to the Rangers
On June 4, 1963, Goyette was traded to the Rangers along with Don Marshall and goalie Jacques Plante. This trade marked a new chapter in his career.
Scoring Statistics
With the Canadiens, Goyette scored 182 points, including 62 goals, over 375 games. He had a disciplined play style, receiving only 38 minutes in penalties. His notable season with Montreal was the 1959-1960 campaign, where he scored 21 goals in 65 games.
During his seven seasons with the Rangers, he played 396 games, accumulating 329 points and 98 goals. He notably had two standout seasons with 65 points each, scoring 24 goals in 1963-1964 and 25 in 1967-1968.
Highlight Season with the Blues
Goyette’s most productive year came during the 1969-1970 season with the St. Louis Blues. At age 36, he achieved 29 goals and 49 assists, totaling 78 points in 72 games. This performance made him the team leader in scoring and earned him a fourth-place finish in the NHL scoring race.
- Best Year: 1970 season with 29 goals and 78 points.
- Lady Byng Trophy: Awarded for gentlemanly conduct and sportsmanship.
- Playoff Performance: Scored 3 goals and 14 points in 16 games.
In the playoffs, Goyette had significant contributions that led the Blues past the Minnesota North Stars and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite their efforts, the Blues faced a difficult defeat in the finals against the Boston Bruins.
Final Seasons and Legacy
Goyette was traded to the Blues from the Rangers on June 10, 1969. After retiring, he became the first head coach in New York Islanders history during the 1972-1973 season.
Phil Goyette’s legacy will be remembered for his exceptional skills on the ice and his contributions to the sport of hockey. His passing is a significant loss to the hockey community and his fans.
