4-time Cup winner, former HNIC announcer Howie Meeker dies at 97

Toronto Maple Leafs icon and former Hockey Night in Canada announcer Howie Meeker has died at the age of 97, a team spokesperson told The Canadian Press.

Meeker won four Stanley Cups and a Calder Trophy over an eight-year playing career that spanned from 1946 to 1954. He also coached the Maple Leafs for one season in 1956-57.

He then joined Hockey Night in Canada as a broadcaster and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998 for his career as an analyst.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman paid his respects to Meeker with a statement later Sunday.

"Howie Meeker spent his long and remarkable life playing, teaching, and broadcasting the game of hockey and serving his country with incredible enthusiasm," Bettman said.

"Presented with the Foster Hewitt Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1998 and awarded the Order of Canada in 2010, Howie Meeker connected countless fans to hockey with his wisdom and infectious voice. The National Hockey League celebrates his life and mourns his passing."

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