Former Chicago forward and Stanley Cup champion Ab McDonald has passed away at the age of 82.
McDonald played nearly 800 games in the NHL for Chicago, Montreal, Boston, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis. He also suited up in 147 WHA games as captain for the Winnipeg Jets, scoring their first goal in club history.
Acquired by Chicago in 1960, McDonald went on to help the team win its first Stanley Cup in 23 years in 1961. He also played on the original "Scooter Line" with Ken Wharram and Stan Mikita. With the Black Hawks, McDonald recorded two 20-goal seasons in four years before leaving for Boston.
McDonald finished his NHL career with 182 goals and 248 assists in 762 regular season games. He added 21 goals and 29 assists in 84 Stanley Cup playoff games. He was a five-time All-Star and four-time Stanley Cup champion (three with Montreal).
The Blackhawks provided the following statement:
"Ab McDonald was an important member of the Chicago Blackhawks family and will forever have a connection to the 1961 Stanley Cup Championship team. In addition to his many contributions on the ice throughout his 14-year National Hockey League career, Ab was very involved in the Blackhawks Alumni Association upon retirement and made it a priority to give back to the game that gave so much to him. The Blackhawks organization extends their deepest condolences to the entire McDonald family and all of Ab's friends and former teammates."
BLOG: Ab McDonald passes away at age 82
Read the full statement from the Chicago Blackhawks on the passing of their former player
