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Hockey Legend Tragically Passes Away at 89

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Pat Quinn
January 10, 2024  (7:22)
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Connie 'Mad Dog' Madigan from the Legendary hockey movie Slapshot
Photo credit: @hockey_vintage

Sad hockey news came in to the news cycle in early January as Connie "Mad Dog" Madigan passed away at 89.

Condolences come pouring in for Madigan

Don Cherry took to twitter to remember his friend:

Sorry to hear about the passing of my old roommate and buddy, Connie "Mad Dog" Madigan. One of the toughest guys I played with or against. Not sure why he's in his street clothes in Spokane's team picture. Godspeed Connie.

A vintage hockey account also paid respects:

"Ross 'Mad Dog' Madison!"

"Ross as you well know never travels anywhere without his long-time friend and attorney Sam 'Small Print' Lyman"

RIP Connie "Mad Dog" Madigan

Steve Carlson from the movie Slap Shot, where Madigan had a role, sent this out:

Cornelius Dennis "Mad Dog" Madigan (born October 4, 1934) was a Canadian retired professional ice hockey defenceman. He played 20 games in the National Hockey League with the St. Louis Blues during the 1972–73 season. The rest of his career, which lasted from 1955 to 1976, was spent in the minor leagues. Madigan is notable for being the oldest rookie in NHL history, aged 38.

And finally a message from Sal Barry who interviewed him in 2019:

Connie "Mad Dog" Madigan passed away yesterday at age 89. When he played for the @StLouisBlues in 1973, he became the oldest rookie to play in the @NHL He was also in "Slap Shot". I had the honor of interviewing Mr. Madigan in 2019 for @TheHockeyNews

Hockey career plus a movie career for Mad Dog

Madigan was a legend of the former professional WHL for the Portland Buckaroos, but he also played 20 NHL games with the St. Louis Blues. Perhaps his most famous claim to fame is that he was the oldest rookie in NHL history, having suit up for his league debut in January 1973 at the age of 38. When he made his comeback to the WHL in 1976, he was second all-time in minor league PIMs.

Aficionados of a specific era might be most familiar with Madigan from his part as goon Ross "Mad Dog" Madison in the cult classic film Slap Shot.

Rest in peace good sir.

As Read On Hockey Feed - NHL's 'oldest rookie' and actor from cult classic Slap Shot passes away at age 89


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Hockey Legend Tragically Passes Away at 89

Will you be re-watching Slapshot in honour of Madigan?

Yes1754.8 %
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