Because of his talent and humility, Mike Bossy left an indelible mark on the history of the National Hockey League (NHL).
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Several personalities from the sports world came to pay their last respects to him today at a funeral home on the North Shore of Montreal.
Bossy died at the age of 65 on April 15 after a months-long battle with cancer.
During the testimonials collected in the lobby, we quickly realized that the former glory of the New York Islanders marked people on several levels.
Bossy’s brilliant career began with a recruiter who believed in his talent: Henry Saraceno. In 1977, he had convinced the New York Islanders to select the Quebecer in the first round, the 15e in total.
However, Mr. Saraceno never had the chance to see Bossy blossom in the NHL. He died of a heart attack in 1979. His son Mario, who has been a scout for the Islanders in Quebec for 43 years, is touched by Bossy’s death.
“It’s a big void for the whole family,” said Mario Saraceno when he left the funeral home. Mike was the link that bound us to our father. This is the very strong bond of the Islanders.
“It’s a huge loss for hockey, for Lucie, Tanya, Josianne, for the Islanders and Quebec.
“What a great player! I don’t think he got all the recognition he deserved. »
Emotional Fournier
Former referee and host Ron Fournier also came to send his condolences to the family. He had known Bossy for forty years.
Like Maurice Richard and Guy Lafleur, Bossy did not hesitate to tell journalists his way of thinking. A facet that has disappeared in today’s players.
“The Rocket and Guy Lafleur were rebels. Mike was not a rebel, Fournier explained. Mike was an opinionated guy. He too, sometimes, he let himself go, but without being too much. »
He also welcomes the announcement of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Society which will honor Bossy in the coming weeks.
“It’s an award he’s deserved for several years,” added Fournier. For whatever reasons, it had not been granted to him. »
The same officer
Former speed skater Gaétan Boucher had one thing in common with the Islanders’ legendary number 22: he had the same agent. The two athletes were advised by Pierre Lacroix for several years.
“We had the same agent and that bonded us in a way. We lived in the same city and we participated in different activities together over the years, said Boucher. I will remember his dedication and his simplicity. He was always honest.
“He did the same when he embarked on other activities after his career. »
♦ The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon in a private ceremony. Islanders owner and former teammates John Tonelli and Bryan Trottier must be present, as must Premier François Legault.