Tony Esposito

Tony O: Blackhawks legend, butterfly pioneer, and Hall of Fame goaltender.

Anthony James "Tony O" Esposito (April 23, 1943 – August 10, 2021) was a Canadian-American professional ice hockey goaltender, who played 16 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), 15 of those for the Chicago Blackhawks. He was one of the pioneers of the now popular butterfly style. Tony was the younger brother of Phil Esposito, a centre. Both brothers had notable careers and are enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Esposito's jersey number 35 was retired by the Blackhawks in 1988.

Quick Facts

Stanley cup championships: 1 (1969)
Hockey hall of fame: Inducted 1988

Lore & Background

Esposito grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario with his brother Phil. He played college ice hockey for Michigan Tech, helping the Huskies to the 1964–65 NCAA Championship. He turned professional with the Vancouver Canucks in the WHL in 1967–68 and played with the Houston Apollos in the CHL in 1968–69. He first played in the NHL for the Montreal Canadiens during the 1968–69 season. He was claimed by the Chicago Blackhawks on waivers for the 1969–70 season, setting a modern NHL record with 15 shutouts and winning the Calder Trophy and Vezina Trophy. He played for Team Canada in the 1972 Summit Series. He retired after the 1983–84 season.

Reader's Guide

Esposito won the Vezina Trophy three times (1970, 1972, 1974), the Calder Trophy in 1970, and was named to the First All-Star Team three times and Second All-Star Team twice. He served as one of Canada's goaltenders in the 1972 Summit Series. In 2017 he was named one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players'. He later became General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins and then chief scout for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He died on August 10, 2021 at age 78 from pancreatic cancer.