Former Blackhawks captain Pilote dies at 85

Former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman and Hall of Fame inductee Pierre Pilote died Saturday. He was 85.

"The Chicago Blackhawks offer our sincere condolences to the family of Pierre Pilote as we mourn his passing," the team said in a statement. "Pierre was one of the most decorated defensemen in NHL history and was a valuable member of the 1961 Stanley Cup championship team.

"He will be remembered for his toughness, leadership, and reliability on the ice - as proven by his captaincy and streak of 376 consecutive games played. We will forever be grateful for his incredible contribution to the Blackhawks and the game of hockey."

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also offered his condolences.

"A consistent, durable, dependable defender who enjoyed the offensive aspects of the position, Pierre Pilote was a team captain, an eight-time postseason All-Star, and a three-time Norris Trophy winner," Bettman said in a statement issued by the league.

The commissioner added, "Pierre also was a man of humor and great dignity and a proud member of the Hockey Hall of Fame."

Pilote won the Norris Trophy in 1963, 1964, and 1965. He spent 13 seasons with the Blackhawks, captaining the team from 1961-68. Pilote played the final season of his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In 890 career games, Pilote recorded 80 goals and 418 assists, alongside 1,251 penalty minutes.

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