Who Is Mike Bossy? Age, Biography and Wiki
Mike Bossy, born on January 22, 1957, was a remarkable Canadian ice hockey player renowned for his time with the New York Islanders in the National Hockey League (NHL). He passed away on April 15, 2022, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the sport. Bossy was celebrated for his exceptional scoring ability and is remembered as one of the greatest goal scorers in hockey history.
During his illustrious career, Bossy won four consecutive Stanley Cups with the Islanders from 1980 to 1983 and earned numerous accolades, including being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991. His style of play and dedication to the sport have cemented his status as a hockey icon.
Occupation | Hockey Player |
---|---|
Date of Birth | January 22, 1957 |
Age | 65 Years |
Birth Place | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
Horoscope | Aquarius |
Country | Canada |
Date of death | 15 April, 2022 |
Died Place | Rosemère, Quebec, Canada |
Popularity
Mike Bossy's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Mike Bossy stood at approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) and played at a weight of around 185 pounds (84 kg). Known for his agility and speed on the ice, his physical attributes coupled with his skillset made him a formidable opponent and a valuable player in the NHL.
Bossy managed two goals and two assists against Toronto in the quarterfinals of the 1978 Playoffs, a hard-fought series in which the Trio Grande was somewhat neutralized by Toronto's toughness.
In game 6, with the Maple Leafs trailing in the series 3 games to 2, Bossy was hit from behind by Toronto's Jerry Butler and sent to the hospital with a neck sprain; the Leafs won and forced a seventh game. Bossy returned for game 7 but was held scoreless as Toronto won the game – and the series – in overtime.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Mike Bossy was known for keeping his family life private. He was married to his longtime girlfriend, Lucie Bossy, and together they raised a family. The couple exemplified a loving partnership, supporting each other through Bossy's career and beyond. They have children who have continued to honor his legacy.
Bossy was the fifth son among ten children, and grew up in a family of Detroit Red Wings fans in the parish of Saint-Alphonse, in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville area of Montreal. Bossy attended St. Pius X Comprehensive High School and then Laval Catholic High School.
His mother Dorothy was English and French-Canadian, and his father Borden, who maintained a backyard ice rink at their apartment building, was Ukrainian. When he was 12 years old, Bossy broke a kneecap while competing in long jump at school, later developing chronic knee problems during his hockey career.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Mike Bossy’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million. During his playing career, he earned substantial income from his contracts with the Islanders, along with additional earnings from endorsements and media appearances. His business ventures and investments in the years prior to his death contributed to his financial standing.
Bossy, who had averaged 77 goals per season in junior with Laval, was passed over by twelve teams in the 1977 NHL amateur draft, including the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs, who each passed over him twice.
Toronto expected him to hold out for more than they wanted to pay, according to Bossy, while the Rangers opted for highly-ranked Lucien DeBlois and Ron Duguay.
Other teams passed for various reasons: the Buffalo Sabres took Ric Seiling, preferring his checking ability, while the Cleveland Barons, who had the fifth overall pick, passed when Bossy's agent Pierre Lacroix gave the Barons inflated salary requirements, prompting them to select Mike Crombeen instead.
Scotty Bowman, coach of the Montreal Canadiens, later regretted that Montreal had passed on Bossy; Bowman and his assistant Claude Ruel had each been impressed with Bossy's play – and scoring – in person, but team scouts questioned his toughness and the Canadiens took Mark Napier with their first pick instead.
Career, Business and Investments
Mike Bossy's professional career began when he was drafted by the New York Islanders in the NHL Amateur Draft in 1977. His prolific scoring ability quickly made him a fan favorite and a centerpiece for the Islanders’ success. Apart from his on-ice prowess, Bossy was involved in various business endeavors post-retirement, including a successful career as a hockey analyst and commentator.
His investments are rumored to have included real estate and sports-related ventures, further solidifying his financial legacy. Bossy's business acumen is a testament to his understanding of both the sport and the market.
Michael Dean Bossy (January 22, 1957 –April 15, 2022) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player with the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League. He spent his entire NHL career, which lasted from 1977 to 1987, with the Islanders, and was a crucial part of their four consecutive Stanley Cup championships in the early 1980s.
Social Network
Though Mike Bossy is no longer with us, his legacy continues to thrive on social media. Fans and former teammates frequently share tributes and memories, celebrating his impact in the hockey community. Official accounts dedicated to honoring his achievements can still be found, maintaining his presence in the world of sports.
The New York Islanders picked Bossy with the 15th overall selection. General manager Bill Torrey was torn at first between taking Bossy and Dwight Foster. Bossy was known as a scorer who could not check, while Foster, who had led the Ontario Hockey Association with 143 points, had a defensive aspect to his game.
Various stories exist explaining who persuaded Torrey to select Bossy. One common story credits coach Al Arbour, who figured it would be easier to teach a scorer how to check. Another credits Islanders scout Harry Saraceno, while another credits both Arbour and Saraceno.
Education
Mike Bossy attended the local schools in his hometown, and his early education played a role in shaping him as a dedicated athlete. His passion for hockey began at a young age, laying the groundwork for his future. While specific details about his post-secondary education are limited, it is clear that his commitment to the sport dominated his pursuits.
After starting the 1985–86 NHL season with Trottier again, Bossy found himself on continually changing lines throughout the course of the season. By mid-October he had been teamed with Pat LaFontaine and rookie Ari Haanpaa.
Al Arbour frequently juggled the lines to spark his team with varying results; reuniting Bossy with Tonelli and Brent Sutter coincided with a Bossy hat trick in a 4–4 tie with Minnesota in November, while Bossy scored the winner in a 7–4 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins after being teamed with Trottier and Mikko Mäkelä.
Bossy and Trottier were playing alongside Tonelli in February, connecting on the only goal in a 1–0 victory over Vancouver, but this tandem was itself split up when Tonelli was traded to the Calgary Flames in March for Steve Konroyd and Richard Kromm.
The Islanders and Flames faced each other on the same day as the trade, and Bossy scored four goals, while on a line with Kromm and Trottier.