Former Islanders winger Gino Ojik has died. His sister Dina announced this on her Facebook page. He was 52 years old.
“Our hearts are broken,” Dina wrote on his Facebook page. “My brother, Gino Ojik, has left us for the spirit world,” two heart emojis were attached at the end of his message.
Ojik suffered a heart attack at a Vancouver medical clinic where he went to have his leg bandages replaced, the Montreal Gazette reported.
He was diagnosed with amyloidosis in 2014, and it “attacked his organs and his heart,” according to Sportsnet.
The Islanders, Canucks and Canadiens — the three teams Ojik played with during his 12-year NHL career — released statements Sunday night following his death.
“The New York Islanders are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former family member Gino Ojik,” the team said. the announcement on Twitter. “The team sends our condolences to Ojik’s family and friends.”
Gino Ojik spent most of his NHL career with the Canucks.
advertisement
Gino Ojik’s 12-year NHL career included stints with Montreal, Vancouver, Philadelphia and the Islanders.
advertisement
Ojik was acquired by the Isles in 1998 when the Canucks traded him for Jason Strudwick. He spent part of the next three seasons in New York. The winger played 13 games in 1997-98, 23 games in 1998-99 and 46 in 1999-2000 before being traded to the Flyers. In a total of 82 games with the Islands, Ojik collected 22 points and 254 penalty minutes.
According to Sportsnet, Ojik holds the Canucks record for most penalties in franchise history with 2,127. He led the NHL with 371 penalties in 1996-97, a season in which he played 70 of his 605 NHL games.
“Gino has been a fan favorite since he joined the organization, putting his heart and soul into every shift on and off the ice,” Canucks president and governor Francesco Aquilini said in a statement. “He inspired so many and epitomized what it means to be a Canuck. Personally, he was a close friend and confidant, someone I could rely on for advice and support. He will be deeply missed.”
.
Comments