Regarded as one of the NHL’s all-time greats, center Jean Beliveau, who totaled 1,219 points in 1,125 NHL games, all with the Montreal Canadiens, passed away Tuesday at 83 years of age.
“The Montreal Canadiens organization is extremely moved by Mr. Beliveau’s passing away,” Canadiens president Geoff Molson said in a statement Tuesday. “Like millions of hockey fans who followed the life and the career of Jean Beliveau, the Canadiens today mourn the passing of a man whose contribution to the development of our sport and our society was unmeasurable. Jean Beliveau was a great leader, a gentleman and arguably the greatest ambassador our game has ever known.”
Beliveau was born on Aug. 31, 1931, and joined Canadiens for his first NHL game on Dec. 16, 1950, at the age of 19. His 20-season career was highlighted by 10 Stanley Cup Championships.
Months after announcing his retirement, Beliveau’s No. 4 was retired by the Canadiens and in June of 1972, the Hockey Hall of Fame waived its three-year waiting period to immediately induct him.
“Jean Beliveau was part of the Canadiens family for over six decades” Molson said. “The Canadiens organization will bring all the needed support to the members of Jean Beliveau‘s family, and will work closely with them to organize the ceremonies that will take place in the coming days.”
Beliveau owns the Canadiens record with 176 career playoff points (79 goals, 97 assists), in 162 contests. He was was awarded the Hart Trophy as the NHL Most Valuable Player, the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL leading points scorer, and the Conn-Smythe Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL playoffs MVP, during his career.
Beliveau was the captain of the Canadiens from 1961-71, with the team winning five cups in that span.
