Islanders Fans and Twitter Rally for Mike Bossy

Back in October of 2021, New York Islanders legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Bossy announced that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. In an open letter to the hockey community, Bossy remained strong.

“I can assure you that I intend to fight with the determination that you have seen me display on the ice and in my game. That same determination that helped me achieve my dreams,” Bossy wrote.

Unfortunately, it seems that Mike Bossy’s fight is coming to an end. Although there has not been an official announcement on his health, it appears that Mike Bossy is in palliative care.

Hearing that HOF legend Mike Bossy is in palliative care. Had the chance to watch him on TV when he was a hockey analyst on TVA Sports. Truly blessed to have witness one of the great! Sending prayers to his family💔 #isles #legend #fuckcancer #mikebossy #NHL pic.twitter.com/3j3aZmNHLK

— Emricka Moreau (@mrika99) April 3, 2022

Upon hearing the news, New York Islanders fans and hockey fans took to Twitter to share their fondest memories of Mike Bossy and send prayers for the 65-year old legend.

Called my folks today to talk about Mike Bossy. When I was growing up, they talked about him so much and we went to the Coli so often, I thought he was a relative, I thought they knew him. That’s what growing up an #isles fan is like. You’re family. Our prayers are with him.

— MTaish (@mrscraigiscray) April 3, 2022

Full-on existential panic for the well-being of someone I’ve met but once, but who was the reason I abandoned my hometown hockey team to cheer on another before I was even 10 years old.

Hearing Mike Bossy’s health has taken a dire turn. He’s fighting lung cancer. #Isles pic.twitter.com/gnHnnn2CKN

— Len Lumbers (@thegoldenyear) April 2, 2022

Prayers for @NYIslanders legend Mike Bossy. #isles 🙏😢 pic.twitter.com/6LDxqGvQTM

— SP19hockey (@SP19hockey) April 2, 2022

Here's Mike Bossy's first NHL goal in 1977.. What came after was one of the greatest and most consistent goal scoring careers in NHL history.. #MikeBossy Mike Bossy #isles #lgi #Champion pic.twitter.com/qg8a2Liws9

— Old Hockey Cards (@oldhockeycards) April 4, 2022

Drafted 15th overall by the New York Islanders in the 1977 NHL Draft, Mike Bossy went on to play 10 seasons on the island, before a back injury forced him to retire at the young age of 30.

Besides playing a part in the New York Islanders Dynasty from 1980 to 1983, in which they won four straight Stanley Cups, Mike Bossy recorded nine straight seasons of 50 or more goals to start his career, scoring 60 or more in five of them.

In 752 career games, Bossy lit the lamp 573 times, with 533 assists for 1,126 points.

In 129 career playoff games, no. 22 scored 85 goals and recorded 75 assists.

Bossy’s .792 goals per game still stands as the highest number ever achieved by a player in NHL history.

His scoring ability was on display as soon as he entered the NHL in 1977. He put together a 53-goal rookie campaign during the 1977-78 season, and won the Calder Trophy.

Bossy won the Lady Byng three times (1982-83, 1983-84, 1985-86), an award given to the player that exhibits the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.

In 1981, Bossy scored 50 goals in 50 games, becoming the second player to ever accomplish that feat. Only Maurice “Rocket” Richard had done it prior.

He was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the 1982 Playoff MVP, in which he had 17 goals and 10 assists in 19 games.

In 1991, Mike Bossy was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame and in 2017 was named one of the “100 Greatest Players” in NHL history. And on Mar. 3 of 1992, Bossy’s no. 22 went to the Nassau Coliseum rafters.

Islanders fans lost Clark Gillies and Jean Potvin earlier this season.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike Bossy, his family, and his friends at this time.