Gerry Hart, a former NHL player who was part of the first New York Islanders team, passed away on May 12, 2023, at the age of 75. The Islanders announced his death on their official Twitter account, but did not disclose the cause of his death. Hart was a defenseman who played 730 games in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders, Quebec Nordiques, and St. Louis Blues between 1969 and 1982. He was known for his toughness and durability, as well as his contributions to the Islanders’ rise to prominence in the 1970s.
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A Hockey Career That Started in Flin Flon
Hart was born on January 1, 1948, in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada. He started playing hockey in his hometown for the Flin Flon Bombers, a junior team that competed in various leagues. He was a standout player who earned several honors, including the MJHL First All-Star Team in 1967 and the WCJHL First All-Star Team in 1968. He also helped the Bombers win the Turnbull Cup MJHL Championship in 1967 and reach the Memorial Cup finals in the same year.
An Undrafted Player Who Made It to the NHL
Hart was not drafted by any NHL team, but he signed a contract with the Detroit Red Wings in 1968. He spent most of his first three seasons in the minor leagues, playing for the Fort Worth Wings, the Baltimore Clippers, and the Tidewater Wings. He made his NHL debut with the Red Wings in 1969, and played 64 games with them in the 1970-71 season. He was traded to the New York Islanders in 1972, joining the expansion team in its inaugural season.
A Key Member of the Islanders’ Early Success
Hart played seven seasons with the Islanders, becoming a key member of their defense corps. He was a reliable and physical player who did not hesitate to check anyone, regardless of their size. He once said in an interview, “I don’t hesitate checking anyone who is heavier than me.” He also had some offensive skills, scoring 29 goals and 150 assists in his NHL career. He reached the playoffs five times with the Islanders, and advanced to the semifinals four times in five seasons. He was part of the Islanders’ team that won 19 consecutive playoff series from 1980 to 1984, although he left the team in 1979.
A Journeyman Who Ended His Career in St. Louis
Hart was claimed by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1979 NHL expansion draft, and played one season with them. He then played for the St. Louis Blues for two and a half seasons, before retiring from the NHL in 1982. He played a total of 78 playoff games, scoring three goals and 12 assists. He was known for his leadership and professionalism, as well as his passion for the game.
A Hockey Legend Who Left a Lasting Legacy
After his retirement, Hart lived off his investments and co-owned a hockey rink in New York. He was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame on Long Island in the Hockey Category in 1997. He was also honored by the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame as a member of their All-Star Team. He was remembered by his former teammates, opponents, fans, and friends as a hockey legend who left a lasting legacy. He was described as a “tough and steady NHL defenseman”, a “complete and total class act”, and a “very kind soul”. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
