Mike Bossy
Michael Dean Bossy (January 22, 1957 – April 15, 2022) was a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who spent his entire ten-season National Hockey League (NHL) career with the New York Islanders from 1977 to 1987.[1][2] Renowned for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and quick release, Bossy helped lead the Islanders to four consecutive Stanley Cup championships between 1980 and 1983, contributing 61 playoff goals during those four postseasons—including 17 goals in each of the 1981, 1982, and 1983 playoffs—and finishing his career with 85 playoff goals, the most in NHL postseason history at the time of his retirement.[3][1][4] He holds the NHL record for the most consecutive 50-goal seasons with nine, from 1977–78 to 1985–86, and reached the 50-goal mark in just 50 games three times, a feat matched only by Maurice Richard and Mario Lemieux.[4][3] Bossy earned the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year in 1977–78 after scoring 53 goals in his debut season, the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1981–82, and three Lady Byng Memorial Trophies for sportsmanship and performance in 1982–83, 1983–84, and 1985–86.[1] He was selected to eight NHL All-Star Games, serving as MVP in 1982, and finished his regular-season career with 573 goals, 553 assists, and 1,126 points in 752 games—all with the Islanders—while posting a plus-380 rating.[4][1] Forced to retire at age 30 due to chronic back injuries, Bossy was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991 and named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in 2017 to commemorate the league's centennial.[2][5] The Islanders retired his No. 22 jersey in 1992, honoring his legacy as a key figure in one of the most dominant teams in NHL history.[2]Early Years
Early life
Michael Dean Bossy was born on January 22, 1957, in Montreal, Quebec, to Borden Bossy, a Ukrainian immigrant, and Dorothy Bossy, an Englishwoman.[6] He was the sixth of ten children in the family, growing up in a bustling household that emphasized hard work and family bonds.[7][6] The Bossy family resided in a modest 4½-room apartment in a predominantly French-speaking, working-class neighborhood in Montreal's east end, where resources were limited but community ties were strong.[7][6] Bossy's father played a pivotal role in fostering his passion for hockey, constructing a backyard rink each winter despite the challenges of manual labor and tight living conditions.[7] Influenced by his five older siblings and the sounds of Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts filtering through the home, Bossy received his first toy hockey stick as an infant and began skating around age three, building ankle strength through early exercises on the family rink.[6][8] By age six, Bossy entered organized play with minor hockey teams at St. Alphonse Parish, quickly emerging as the standout player among his Mites peers due to his innate scoring ability and enthusiasm for the game.[6] These formative experiences on local rinks honed his natural instincts for finding the net, laying the groundwork for his future development in the sport.[7]Junior career
Bossy began his major junior career with the Laval Nationals of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) during the 1972–73 season, appearing in four regular-season games as a 15-year-old and recording one goal and two assists.[9] In the following 1973–74 season, he emerged as a key contributor, scoring 70 goals and 48 assists for 118 points in 68 games, helping the Nationals reach the league playoffs where he added six goals in 11 postseason contests.[10] Over the next three seasons from 1974 to 1977, Bossy solidified his reputation as one of the QMJHL's premier goal scorers, totaling 238 goals in 192 games while serving as team captain in his final year.[9] His standout 1974–75 campaign saw him claim the QMJHL goal-scoring title with 84 goals and 65 assists for 149 points in 67 games, leading Laval to the league finals despite a postseason loss to the Sherbrooke Jets.[11] In 1975–76, he notched 79 goals and 57 assists for 136 points in 64 games, and during the 1976–77 season, he tallied 75 goals and 51 assists for 126 points in 61 games, though the team exited early in the playoffs.[10] Across his five QMJHL seasons with Laval, Bossy amassed 309 goals and 223 assists for 532 points in 264 games, establishing himself as the league's all-time leading goal scorer at the time and earning widespread recognition as a top NHL prospect.[9] His exceptional scoring prowess and playmaking ability drew attention from scouts, culminating in his selection by the New York Islanders in the first round, 15th overall, at the 1977 NHL Entry Draft.[1]NHL Career
Rookie season and early stardom
Mike Bossy signed his first NHL contract with the New York Islanders on July 23, 1977, shortly after being selected 15th overall in the NHL Draft.[12] Coach Al Arbour immediately placed the 20-year-old rookie right winger on the team's top line alongside center Bryan Trottier and left winger Clark Gillies, forming the core of what would become known as the "Trio Grande," with defenseman Denis Potvin providing crucial puck support from the blue line.[13] This placement capitalized on Bossy's exceptional junior goal-scoring talent from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where he had demonstrated a lethal wrist shot and positioning instincts that promised rapid NHL success.[1] In his 1977-78 rookie season, Bossy exploded offensively, scoring 53 goals and accumulating 91 points in 73 games, setting a then-NHL record for most goals by a rookie and helping the Islanders secure a playoff spot.[1] Despite facing skepticism about his ability to handle the NHL's intense physicality as a finesse player transitioning from less demanding junior play, Bossy adapted swiftly by leveraging his quick release and uncanny ability to find open space, avoiding unnecessary confrontations while contributing minimally to penalty minutes with just six all season.[13] His performance earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year in 1978.[1] Bossy's scoring prowess continued in the 1978-79 season, where he led the league with 69 goals and tallied 126 points in 80 games, again propelling the Islanders into the playoffs.[1] The following year, 1979-80, he maintained elite production with 51 goals and 92 points in 75 games, further solidifying his status as one of the league's premier snipers and aiding the team's postseason qualification.[1] These early seasons marked Bossy's quick ascent to stardom, transforming initial doubts about his physical resilience into widespread recognition of his pure goal-scoring genius.[13]Dynasty years
Bossy's contributions were instrumental in the New York Islanders' first Stanley Cup victory in the 1979-80 season, where he scored 51 goals in 75 regular-season games, tying for third in the league.[4] In the playoffs, he tallied 10 goals across 16 games, including key scoring in the Stanley Cup Final against the Philadelphia Flyers, helping secure the championship.[14] His offensive prowess complemented the Islanders' defensive structure, marking the beginning of their dominant run. The Islanders repeated as champions in 1981 following the 1980-81 season, during which Bossy notched 68 goals in 79 games, leading the NHL in scoring.[1] He exploded for 17 goals and 18 assists in 18 playoff games, setting a single-postseason record for power-play goals with nine that still stands.[15][4] In 1982, after another 50-plus goal regular season with 64 tallies in 80 games, Bossy earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, recording 17 goals and 10 assists for 27 points in 19 games en route to the third consecutive Cup.[16] His sniper's touch was evident in the Final against the Vancouver Canucks, where he scored seven goals to tie an NHL record. Bossy capped the dynasty with a stellar 1982-83 campaign, becoming the first player to score 60 goals in three consecutive seasons with exactly that total in 79 games.[1] In the playoffs, he added 17 goals in 19 games as the Islanders swept the Edmonton Oilers in the Final, contributing to a record 19-game playoff winning streak spanning the four-title era. Central to this success was Bossy's chemistry on the "Trio Grande" line with center Bryan Trottier and winger Clark Gillies, whose synergy powered the Islanders' offense and led to repeated dominance over rivals like the New York Rangers in postseason matchups.[4]Later career
In the 1983–84 season, Bossy scored 51 goals in 67 games despite dealing with a hip injury that caused him to miss time early on.[1] The New York Islanders, relying on his offensive output, advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals but were swept 4–0 by the Edmonton Oilers. For his combination of skill and sportsmanship, with only eight penalty minutes, Bossy won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for the second time.[17] Bossy's scoring prowess continued in 1984–85 as he tallied 58 goals in 76 games, contributing significantly to the Islanders' second-place finish in the Patrick Division.[4] In the playoffs, he added 5 goals and 6 assists in 10 games, helping the team reach the Finals again before another loss to Edmonton.[18] The physical toll from the Islanders' dynasty years began manifesting more prominently, setting the stage for ongoing injury challenges.[19] During the 1985–86 season, Bossy achieved 61 goals in 80 games, earning First Team All-Star honors and his third Lady Byng Trophy for his clean play.[1] He missed most of the playoffs due to a hand injury, playing only 3 games and recording 1 goal and 2 assists as the Islanders defeated Washington 3–0 in the division quarterfinals before losing to the New York Rangers 4–3 in the division semifinals.[4] Chronic back pain intensified in 1986–87, limiting Bossy to 63 games and 38 goals while he played through the discomfort.[4] Diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, he announced on October 5, 1987, at age 30, that he would sit out the entire season to focus on recovery, effectively ending his on-ice career after 10 NHL seasons.[20][21]International Career
1981 Canada Cup
Mike Bossy was selected to Team Canada for the 1981 Canada Cup tournament, joining a star-studded roster that included fellow NHL standouts Wayne Gretzky and Guy Lafleur. His inclusion stemmed from his dominant 1980–81 NHL season with the New York Islanders, where he led the league with 68 goals in 79 games.[22][23] As a pure sniper, Bossy formed a potent second line with linemates Bryan Trottier and Clark Gillies, leveraging his lethal shot to exploit opportunities against international competition. He adapted effectively to the tournament's elevated pace, appearing in all seven games for Canada and recording 8 goals, 3 assists, 11 points, and 2 penalty minutes. Bossy's goal total paced the entire tournament, underscoring his scoring prowess on a roster brimming with offensive talent.[23] Bossy's standout contributions included powering Canada's 7–3 round-robin victory over the Soviet Union, where the Islanders trio combined for multiple points, and assisting on Clark Gillies' goal—the lone Canadian marker—in the one-game final, an 8–1 defeat to the USSR that handed the Soviets the championship. For his efforts, Bossy earned a spot on the Canada Cup All-Star Team.[24][1]1984 Canada Cup
Following his participation in the 1981 Canada Cup, Mike Bossy returned to represent Team Canada in the 1984 edition of the tournament, joining a star-studded roster that included Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Mark Messier, and several of his New York Islanders teammates such as Bryan Trottier and Denis Potvin.[25] Despite initial awkwardness from recent Stanley Cup rivalries—Canada's Islanders had faced Gretzky's Edmonton Oilers in the finals the previous two years—the team quickly developed strong chemistry once practices began and lines were established.[26] This unity proved crucial in a highly competitive field featuring powerhouses like the Soviet Union and Sweden, amid intense international rivalries marked by physical and skilled play. Bossy contributed steadily throughout the tournament, appearing in all eight games for Canada and recording 5 goals and 4 assists for 9 points, along with just 2 penalty minutes, underscoring his reputation for clean, disciplined play.[27] Key highlights included a goal in the round-robin opener against West Germany on September 1, where he scored twice in a 7-2 victory, and another in the round-robin matchup against Sweden on September 6, helping Canada secure a 4-3 win despite a late comeback by the Swedes.[28] His most memorable moment came in the semifinal against the Soviet Union on September 13, when he deflected a Paul Coffey shot at 12:29 of overtime for the game-winning goal in a 3-2 victory, propelling Canada to the final and boosting team morale significantly.[23][29] In the best-of-three final series against Sweden, Bossy recorded an assist in the clinching Game 2 on September 18, contributing to Canada's 6-5 victory after a 5-2 win in Game 1, securing the gold medal and marking Canada's second Canada Cup title.[30][31] His performance exemplified the team's cohesive effort, where individual stars like Bossy complemented the collective drive to overcome early round-robin struggles and triumph in high-stakes matches.[26]Retirement and Legacy
Retirement
Bossy officially announced his retirement from the National Hockey League on October 24, 1988, at the age of 31, following a year-long absence during the 1987-88 season caused by chronic back pain that began flaring up in training camp two years earlier.[2] Despite resting throughout the summer of 1987 in hopes of a comeback, the injury persisted, forcing him to decline a three-year personal services contract offered by the New York Islanders and reject overtures from other teams, including the [Los Angeles Kings](/page/Los Angeles_Kings).[32] In a press conference, Bossy tearfully acknowledged the defeat, stating, “My back problems have won the battle. My career is over,” highlighting the severe physical toll that had limited him to just 63 games in his final season of 1986-87.[2] The Islanders organization rallied around Bossy during this difficult period, offering unwavering support as he navigated the emotional weight of ending a career that included four Stanley Cup championships and nine straight 50-goal seasons.[2] Bossy reflected on the brevity of his 10-year professional tenure, noting that pride in maintaining his elite standards—rather than diminished performance—had influenced his decision,[32] though he later expressed some regret over not pushing through the pain to extend his playing days.[33] He emphasized the cumulative strain of his high-intensity style, which had delivered 573 goals but ultimately compromised his health beyond repair. Following his retirement, Bossy transitioned back to his native Quebec, settling in Montreal to focus on recovery and family life away from the rigors of professional hockey.[2] The Islanders honored his immediate legacy by retiring his No. 22 jersey on March 3, 1992, in a heartfelt ceremony at Nassau Coliseum, where fans and teammates celebrated his unparalleled scoring prowess and team-first mentality.[34] Early post-retirement recognition culminated in his induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991, his first year of eligibility, affirming his status as one of the league's all-time greats despite the shortened career.[35]Legacy
Mike Bossy is renowned for his unparalleled goal-scoring prowess, highlighted by his record of nine consecutive 50-goal seasons from 1977–78 to 1985–86, a feat unmatched in NHL history for its streak of consistency.[3] Additionally, he holds the highest career goals-per-game ratio in league history at 0.762, achieved over 752 games with 573 goals, underscoring his efficiency as a sniper.[36] This statistical dominance influenced modern perceptions of goal-scoring, emphasizing precision and positioning over physicality, and set a benchmark for future forwards seeking to maximize offensive output in limited ice time. Bossy's style of play, characterized by elegant wrist shots and intelligent net-front presence, drew frequent comparisons to fellow Quebec native Guy Lafleur, another graceful right winger known for flair and lethality.[37] Off the ice, he advocated strongly against on-ice violence during an era dominated by enforcers, earning three Lady Byng Memorial Trophies in 1983, 1984, and 1986 for his sportsmanship amid high-stakes competition.[17] His vocal opposition to fighting and rough play positioned him as a proponent for cleaner, skill-based hockey, influencing discussions on player safety that continue today.[38] Despite his central role in the New York Islanders' four straight Stanley Cup championships from 1980 to 1983, Bossy's contributions to the dynasty are often overshadowed by the glamour of the Edmonton Oilers' subsequent era led by Wayne Gretzky.[39] This underappreciation was partially redressed in 2017 when he was named one of the NHL's 100 Greatest Players during the league's centennial celebration.[3] As a Quebec-born icon, Bossy embodied regional pride in the sport, and tributes following his 2022 death frequently linked him to Lafleur, with Quebec Premier François Legault noting the profound impact both had on the province's hockey culture.[40] His early retirement in 1987 due to chronic back injuries only amplified the legacy of a career that burned brightly but briefly.Post-Playing Career
Broadcasting roles
Following his retirement from professional hockey in 1988, Bossy transitioned into broadcasting with an early role as a color commentator for the Quebec Nordiques on French-language television, providing analysis from 1988 to 1991.[41] In 1994, Bossy entered radio as a co-host on the morning show "Y'é trop d'bonne heure" (It's Too Early) on CKOI-FM in Montreal, where he handled sports segments alongside comedic sketches and prank calls, showcasing a humorous side that contrasted his on-ice persona.[38] He continued in this role until 1996, gaining popularity for blending hockey insights with entertainment.[42] Bossy returned to television broadcasting in September 2014 as a hockey analyst for MSG Networks, contributing to pre- and post-game coverage for New York Islanders games during the 2014-15 season.[43] His experience as a four-time Stanley Cup champion lent unique credibility to his analytical commentary on team strategy and player performance.[44] In September 2015, Bossy joined TVA Sports as a color commentator for NHL games broadcast in French, a position he held until stepping away in October 2021 due to health reasons.[45] At TVA, he also made regular appearances on the late-night program Dave Morissette en direct, delivering his "Certifié Mike Bossy" segment with expert takes on league news, and contributed to the afternoon show TVA Sports à 5.[46]Other activities
In the late 1980s, following his retirement from professional hockey, Bossy took on a vice president role at Titan, a hockey stick manufacturer, in partnership with his agent Pierre Lacroix.[47] In October 2006, Bossy rejoined the New York Islanders as executive director of corporate relations, a role focused on sponsor and fan development that he held until at least 2014.[48] By 1992, Bossy had expanded into public relations roles, representing Karhu, a manufacturer of hockey sticks and skates, as well as CUMIS, an insurance company.[49] He also served as an ambassador for Hockey Canada's Chevrolet Safe & Fun Hockey program, promoting youth hockey safety alongside figures like Bobby Orr and Cassie Campbell.[50] These endeavors were complemented by his broadcasting experience, which enhanced his public persona in commercial endorsements and speaking engagements. Additionally, Bossy pursued personal interests in golf and public speaking, delivering motivational talks on commitment and teamwork drawn from his sports and business experiences.[49][51] In 1999, Bossy joined Humpty Dumpty, a snack food company, in a public relations capacity, later advancing to Quebec sales director in 2003.[52][53] Bossy ventured into minor entertainment roles, including a cameo appearance as himself in the 2005 French-Canadian film Les Boys IV, where he portrayed a hockey legend alongside other NHL stars.[54] Earlier, in 1981, he contributed as a consultant on the hockey sequences for the animated TV special The Raccoons on Ice.[55]Personal Life and Death
Family
Mike Bossy met his future wife, Lucie Creamer, at the age of 14 while playing junior hockey in the Laval area, where she worked at the snack bar of a rink managed by her father.[56][57] The couple married on July 23, 1977, and remained together for over four decades.[58][59] Bossy and Creamer had two daughters, Josiane and Tanya, born in the early 1980s; Josiane is three years older than her sister.[60][59] By 2022, the family included two grandchildren from Tanya's daughters, Alexe and Gabrielle, to whom Bossy was a devoted grandfather, even volunteering at their school library.[61] The Bossy family made their home in Rosemère, Quebec, where they centered their life amid the demands of Bossy's professional travels.[62] Lucie provided steadfast support during his frequent absences for games and training, helping maintain family stability.[63] Bossy himself prioritized his role as a family man, often balancing the rigors of his career with commitments at home, a value shaped by his own upbringing in a large family of ten children.[61] His daughters later described him as a "200-per-cent dad," fully engaged in family activities whenever possible.[61]Health issues and death
On October 19, 2021, Mike Bossy publicly announced his diagnosis of lung cancer through an open letter on TVA Sports' website, stating that he would be stepping away from his broadcasting role to focus on treatment.[64][65] Bossy underwent aggressive treatment for advanced stage 4 lung cancer at Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur-de-Montréal, though he maintained privacy regarding specific details of his medical care; he had quit smoking several years prior to the diagnosis and was a non-smoker at the time.[66][67] Bossy died on April 15, 2022, at the age of 65 in his home in Rosemère, Quebec, peacefully surrounded by his family after a six-month battle with the disease.[68][69] The news prompted immediate tributes from the NHL, which described him as one of the greatest pure goal scorers in league history, and the New York Islanders, who honored their four-time Stanley Cup champion with a moment of silence and video tribute during their next home game.[58] Quebec Premier François Legault praised Bossy as an "exceptional human being" and a fighter, noting the profound impact of his loss alongside that of fellow hockey legend Guy Lafleur, who died of lung cancer one week later on April 22.[40] In 2023, Bossy's family established the Mike Bossy Memorial Fund in partnership with Lung Cancer Canada to honor his memory by addressing lung cancer stigma, raising awareness, and promoting early screening initiatives in Quebec.[63][70]Career Statistics and Awards
Regular season and playoffs
Mike Bossy played his entire ten-season NHL career with the New York Islanders from 1977 to 1987, appearing in 752 regular-season games and accumulating 573 goals, 553 assists, and 1,126 points while recording 210 penalty minutes.[4] His scoring efficiency was exceptional, averaging 0.76 goals per game, which ranked among the highest in league history for players with significant longevity.[4] Bossy achieved a remarkable streak of nine consecutive 50-goal seasons from 1977–78 to 1985–86, a record for consecutive such performances that underscored his prolific goal-scoring ability.[71] The following table details Bossy's regular-season performance year by year:| Season | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977–78 | 73 | 53 | 38 | 91 | 6 |
| 1978–79 | 80 | 69 | 57 | 126 | 25 |
| 1979–80 | 75 | 51 | 41 | 92 | 12 |
| 1980–81 | 79 | 68 | 51 | 119 | 32 |
| 1981–82 | 80 | 64 | 83 | 147 | 22 |
| 1982–83 | 79 | 60 | 58 | 118 | 20 |
| 1983–84 | 67 | 51 | 67 | 118 | 8 |
| 1984–85 | 76 | 58 | 59 | 117 | 38 |
| 1985–86 | 80 | 61 | 62 | 123 | 14 |
| 1986–87 | 63 | 38 | 37 | 75 | 33 |
| Career | 752 | 573 | 553 | 1,126 | 210 |
| Season | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977–78 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| 1978–79 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 2 |
| 1979–80 | 16 | 10 | 13 | 23 | 8 |
| 1980–81 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 35 | 4 |
| 1981–82 | 19 | 17 | 10 | 27 | 0 |
| 1982–83 | 19 | 17 | 9 | 26 | 10 |
| 1983–84 | 21 | 8 | 10 | 18 | 4 |
| 1984–85 | 10 | 5 | 6 | 11 | 4 |
| 1985–86 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 1986–87 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 0 |
| Career | 129 | 85 | 75 | 160 | 38 |
International statistics
Mike Bossy represented Canada in international competition exclusively through the Canada Cup tournaments of 1981 and 1984, where he tallied totals of 15 games played, 13 goals, 7 assists, 20 points, and 4 penalty minutes.[72] The following table summarizes his performance by tournament:| Tournament | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 Canada Cup | 7 | 8 | 3 | 11 | 2 |
| 1984 Canada Cup | 8 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 2 |
| International Total | 15 | 13 | 7 | 20 | 4 |