John Ferguson Loses Battle With Cancer

John Ferguson Sr., the NHL and Montreal Canadiens legend, has passed away, losing his last fight, one with prostate cancer.

His son, current Maple Leafs General Manager John Ferguson Jr. said, “My father battled cancer with the same spirit in which he played the game of hockey.”

I have absolutely no doubt he did.

Known as the NHL’s first enforcer, Legends of Hockey quotes Ferguson, saying he wanted to be “the meanest, rottenest, most miserable cuss ever to play in the NHL.”

Ferguson built that reputation while earning 145 goals, 303 points and 1214 PIMs in 500 games for the Habs.  He was part of five Stanley Cup champion teams.

A nice collection of pictures and some older articles is available at Habs Inside/Out. (via KK)

The NHL and NHLPA founded Hockey Fights Cancer in 1998 to help raise money for cancer organizations.

Ferguson vs Douglas 1965

More Ferguson-related stories

Tough guy loses his final battle
Ferguson was a fighter to the end
Sharks lose a hockey legend as consultant dies from cancer
Tough exterior, soft heart
Remembering John Ferguson
San Jose Sharks Organization Saddened by the Passing of NHL Legend John Ferguson

Another video after the jump.

Ferguson vs Baun 1966