Gino Odjick, the Vancouver Canucks and New York Islanders favorite, dies at 52 from a heart attack

Longtime Vancouver Canucks forward Gino Odjick died on Sunday at the age of 52.

His sister, Dina Odjick, posted the news on her Facebook, writing: Our hearts are broken. My brother Gino Odjick has left us for the spirit world.’ 

Odjick suffered a heart attack, according to a report by the Montreal Gazette. He developed amyloidosis nine years ago, a rare condition that creates protein deposits in the heart. 

The disease caused him to undergo various forms of treatment, including chemotherapy.

After spending parts of eight seasons with the Canucks, which included a run to the Stanley Cup Final in the 1993-94 season, Odjick had stints with the New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens during his 12-year career.

In 444 career games, Odjick scored 46 goals and tallied 52 assists. He was considered a fan favorite and was known to get into fights, and according to Sportsnet, holds the record for most penalty minutes in Vancouver franchise history with 2,127.

The Canucks said in a statement on Sunday: ‘The Vancouver Canucks and Aquilini family mourn the trafic passing of Gino Odjick.’

Its chairman, Francesco Aquilini, added: ‘Gino was a fan-favorite from the moment he joined the organization, putting his heart and soul into every shift on and off the ice.

‘He inspired many and embodied what it means to be a Canuck. Personally, he was a close friend and confidant, someone I could lean on for advice and support. He will be deeply missed.’

The New York Islanders said in a statement Sunday night: ‘The Islanders are deeply saddened to learn the passing of former family member, Gino Odjick. The team extends our condolences to the Odjick family and friends.’ 

The Candiens, meanwhile, said: ‘The Canadiens are saddened to learn the passing of Gino Odjick. The organization would like to extend its deepest condolences to his family and friends. Thank you for all the memories, Gino.’