Former Philadelphia Flyers forward Rick MacLeish passed away on Monday night. He was 66-years-old. The organization confirmed the news early Tuesday morning. MacLeish was battling meningitis as well as kidney and liver problems, per Philly.com.
“With the passing of Rick MacLeish, the Flyers have lost one of their legends,” Flyers President Paul Holmgren said in a release. “A good father, grandfather, teammate and friend, Rick will be missed by all who were fortunate to come and know him over the years. His happy and friendly demeanor was front and center everywhere Rick went. Today, our thoughts and prayers are with Rick’s wife, Charlene, his daughters, Danielle and Brianna along with his grandchildren. May he rest in peace.”
MacLeish first put on a Flyers jersey during the 1970-71 season. He would go on to score 349 goals and 759 points in 846 NHL games with Philadelphia, Hartford, Pittsburgh and Detroit. MacLeish also scored what is considered to be the most important goal in Flyers history when he netted the opening goal in Game 6 of the 1974 Stanley Cup Final against Boston. The Flyers would clinch their first Stanley Cup that night.
He won a pair of Stanley Cups with the Flyers and was named an NHL All-Star three times in his career.
Joe Watson on Rick MacLeish:
— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) May 31, 2016
"I’d put him up there with Giroux, Lindros and Forsberg in terms of natural skill.” #Flyers
Bob Clarke on Rick MacLeish: "Ricky was the most talented player the Flyers had during the 1970s. Life after hockey wasn’t fair to Ricky.”
— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) May 31, 2016
#Flyers say Rick MacLeish, playoff leading scorer on both Broad Street Bullies Stanley Cup-winning teams, has died at age 66.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) May 31, 2016