Gilles Gilbert Obituary, What Happened To Gilles Gilbert? How Did Gilles Gilbert Die?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Aug 07, 2023
Gilles Gilbert Obituary
Former NHL goaltender Gilles Gilbert, renowned for his memorable moment of surrendering Guy Lafleur's goal in Game 7 of the 1979 Eastern Conference Finals, has passed away today at the age of 74.
"The hockey community is deeply saddened by the loss of Gilles Gilbert, an iconic presence in the annals of the sport. On August 6, 2023, the former Boston Bruins netminder left us, leaving behind a legacy etched into the hearts of hockey enthusiasts across the globe. At the time of his passing, Gilbert was 73 years old.
Born on April 7, 1950, in Saint-Esprit, Quebec, Canada, Gilbert's fervor for sports ignited in his early years. As a goaltender, he blazed a trail of success, showcasing remarkable agility, lightning-quick reflexes, and an unmatched competitive spirit. His NHL journey kicked off in 1969 when he was drafted by the Minnesota North Stars. However, it was his tenure with the Boston Bruins that solidified his place in hockey lore.
Spanning from 1973 to 1980, Gilbert's time with the Boston Bruins left an indelible mark. His prowess for making jaw-dropping saves and maintaining composure under pressure played a pivotal role in the team's triumphs. Instrumental in the Bruins' Stanley Cup victories in 1974 and 1976, he endeared himself to the Boston faithful, earning the affectionate nickname "Gilbert the Great."
Beyond his on-ice persona, Gilbert's infectious spirit and dedication to charitable endeavors earned him a lasting reputation. Even post-retirement, he remained actively engaged in humanitarian work, inspiring a new generation of hockey aspirants with his enduring passion for the game."
Throughout his National Hockey League tenure, spanning 14 seasons with the Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, and Minnesota North Stars, Gilbert formed a formidable duo with Gerry Cheevers in Boston. His NHL career amassed a record of 192 wins, 143 losses, and 60 ties.
What Happened To Gilles Gilbert?
A seasoned campaigner with a fourteen-year legacy in the National Hockey League spanning from 1970 to 1983, goaltender Gilles Gilbert passed away on a Sunday morning at the age of 74, as reported by Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now.
Gilbert's legacy is notably highlighted by his role as the guardian of the net for the Boston Bruins during the 1979 playoffs. It was during this crucial period that Guy Lafleur of the Montreal Canadiens found the back of the net with less than two minutes remaining in Game 7 of the semi-finals, dramatically shifting the momentum in favor of the Canadiens.
Selected in the third round of the 1969 NHL Amateur Draft by the Minnesota North Stars, Gilbert secured the 25th overall pick at that juncture. His time with the North Stars spanned four seasons, encompassing 44 games played. During this tenure, he compiled a record of 16-22-5, maintaining a .896 save percentage (SV%) and a 3.40 goals-against average (GAA). In a significant move in May of 1973, Gilbert was traded to Boston in exchange for forward Fred Stanfield.
The apex of his career was undoubtedly marked by his stint with the Bruins, where he donned the spoked 'B' for a span of seven years, participating in a total of 277 games. Over the initial four seasons with Boston, Gilbert, and the team consistently secured postseason berths, with Gilbert taking charge between the pipes during regular-season encounters.
In totality, Gilbert concluded his tenure with the Bruins, boasting a record of 155 wins, 73 losses, and 39 ties. His statistical portfolio included a .890 SV% and a 2.95 GAA. As his journey with Boston drew to a close, he embarked on a new chapter with a different Original Six franchise, joining the Detroit Red Wings following a trade in 1980 that involved goalie Rogie Vachon.
However, the change in scenery did not yield the same degree of success for Gilbert in Detroit, where he encountered a less robust team in front of him. Over the span of his final three seasons, Gilbert's career concluded with a record of 21 wins, 48 losses, and 16 ties in 95 games played. His final metrics showcased a .858 SV% and a 4.14 GAA.
How Did Gilles Gilbert Die?
On the 6th of August, 2023, Gilles Gilbert's journey came to a close at the age of 74, following a battle with health challenges. While the precise nature of these challenges remains undisclosed by his family, the enduring presence of his loved ones at his side underscores the profound influence he wielded in their lives, both within the realms of the ice and beyond.
The hockey fraternity now bears a palpable void in the wake of Gilles Gilbert's departure. Devoted fans and fellow athletes alike mourn the loss of an embodiment of true sportsmanship. Beyond his adept goaltending skills, Gilbert's legacy rests upon his unyielding commitment and determination on the rink, evoking admiration from innumerable enthusiasts and peers.
His name shall forever resonate for his remarkable displays, notably in the 1979 Stanley Cup playoffs semifinal against the Montreal Canadiens, where his extraordinary goalkeeping earned him the coveted distinction of the game's first star.
Gilbert's professional trajectory stands as a testament to his exceptional achievements. Donning the jerseys of the Minnesota North Stars, Detroit Red Wings, and most prominently, the Boston Bruins, his mark was indelible.
The 1973-74 season witnessed him stepping into the role of the Boston Bruins goaltender, filling the shoes of Gerry Cheevers and playing an instrumental role in steering the team toward the Stanley Cup finals. During the 1975-76 NHL season, Gilbert etched his name in history by setting a new NHL record with an impressive streak of 17 consecutive wins, firmly establishing himself among the league's elite goaltenders.
Across his NHL odyssey spanning from 1969 to 1983, Gilbert unfurled his exceptional skills and deep-seated passion for the game. With a final goals-against average of 3.27, he stood as a formidable presence in the crease.
His partnership with Gerry Cheevers between 1976 and 1980 solidified their standing as one of the NHL's premier goaltending tandems, resulting in their recognition as runners-up for the Vezina Trophy in 1980. Gilbert's remarkable tally of 17 playoff victories for the Boston Bruins further etched his legacy into the annals of hockey lore.
Gilles Gilbert Obituary - FAQs
Gilles Gilbert passed away on August 6, 2023.
Gilles Gilbert was 74 years old when he passed away.
The exact cause of Gilles Gilbert's death has not been disclosed by his family.
Gilles Gilbert's loved ones were by his side when he passed away, reflecting the impact he had on their lives.
Gilles Gilbert left a void in the hockey community, with fans and fellow players mourning the loss of a sportsmanship exemplar known for his dedication and determination on the ice.