Montreal Canadiens Hall of Fame player Elmer Lach dies at 97
Former Montreal Canadiens forward Elmer Lach died Saturday. He was 97 years old and was the oldest living former NHLer according to a release by Montreal.
According to the Montreal Gazette:
Canadiens icon Elmer Lach, the nearly indestructible centreman for Maurice (Rocket) Richard and Toe Blake on his team’s magnificent 1940s Punch Line, died Saturday morning at the West Island Palliative Care Residence in Kirkland following a stroke suffered last Saturday, March 28 at his Beaconsfield care home.
A three-time Stanley Cup champion and a former Hart Trophy winner, Lach was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1966. His No. 16 jersey was retired by Montreal for his time with the Canadiens from 1940-54. Lach was the last surviving member of the ‘Punch Line’ with him, Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard and Toe Blake.
“Every member of the Canadiens organization is profoundly saddened and touched by the death of Mr. Lach. Elmer Lach was a determined player who enjoyed a great career with the Canadiens and who became an important part of the community in Montreal. On behalf of the Molson family and all members of the organization, I offer my sincere condolences to the members of his family,” said Canadiens president, Geoff Molson.
And a statement from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman:
"The National Hockey League deeply mourns the passing of Elmer Lach -- center on Montreal's legendary 'Punch Line' with Toe Blake and Maurice Richard, owner of the sole assist on Richard's 50th goal in 50 games in 1944-45 and someone who, at 97 years of age, was just a few months younger than the League itself. The League sends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this three-time Stanley Cup champion, two-time scoring champion and 1945 Hart Trophy winner."
Lach played 664 games and notched 623 points. He won the Art Ross Trophy in the 1947-48 season with 61 points in 60 games.
It has been a tough year for Montreal legends, with the legendary Jean Beliveau’s passing in December and now Lach.
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Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @joshuacooper
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