John Tonelli

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Tonelli was a key part of the Islanders' dynasty, delivering the assist on Bob Nystrom's overtime goal that won the 1980 Stanley Cup Final. He was a second team All-Star left wing in 1982 and 1985. In 2020, the Islanders retired his #27 jersey and inducted him into the Islanders Hall of Fame.

In Their Own Story

On May 24, 1980, with the Islanders facing the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at Nassau Coliseum, Lorne Henning stole the puck at center ice and passed to Tonelli. Tonelli then criss-crossed with Bob Nystrom, feeding him the puck on Nystrom's backhand for the winning goal at 7:11 of overtime. It was a play the two had perfected during practice. During the 1981-82 playoffs, the Islanders were five minutes away from being eliminated by a much weaker Pittsburgh Penguin team, trailing 3-1 in the deciding game. Tonelli assisted on a Mike McEwen goal that closed the champions within one goal, and tied the game himself with 2:21 to play. For an encore, it was John Tonelli that scored in overtime to win the game for the Islanders, thus extending their long reign as Stanley Cup champions. Tonelli also scored the winning goal in a February 20, 1982 game against the Colorado Rockies, beating former teammate Chico Resch with just 47 seconds to play to allow the Islanders to set an NHL record (since broken) with their 15th consecutive victory.

Reader's Guide

Tonelli played left wing for the Islanders, not center or power forward. He was known for his gritty play, clutch goals, and ability to dig out pucks in the corners. He also played on the 'Banana Line' with Wayne Merrick and Bob Nystrom, and on the top line with Bryan Trottier and Mike Bossy.

Did You Know?

• Tonelli scored five goals in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 6, 1981.
• He was named MVP of the 1984 Canada Cup after leading Canada to the championship.
• Tonelli's legal case challenging his OHA contract set a precedent for major junior hockey player contracts in Ontario.
• He was the first 15-year-old player signed by the Toronto Marlies OHA team.