On Tuesday, the death of 72-year-old Jean Potvin was announced by his old club, the New York Islanders. The hockey legend, has died, and the New York Islanders have paid homage to a ‘leader on the ice.’ Jean Potvin, a former member of the New York Islanders, died at the age of 72. Potvin won the Stanley Cup two times.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Potvin family,” said Lou Lamoriello, the Islanders’ president and general manager.
“On the ice, Jean was a leader who helped the team win two Stanley Cup Championships. He built his home on the island and was a familiar presence in the neighborhood. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all those who have been affected by his death.”
Potvin was a member of the Islanders from 1972-73 to 1977-78, then returning in 1979-80 and 1980-81. Potvin, along with his brother Denis, was a member of the Islanders that won the Stanley Cup in 1980 and 1981. The Potvin brothers are the only Islanders defenseman who have ever scored a hat trick.
Potvin, who was born in Ottawa, Ontario, played 613 games with the Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, Cleveland Barons, Minnesota North Stars, and New York Islanders, scoring 63 goals and 224 assists for 287 points.
His wife Lorraine, his three children – Kim, Leslie, and Justin – and their two grandkids survive him.
Potvin worked with Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens and was a member of the Nassau County Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors for over a decade.
