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Vancouver Canucks fan favourite, Wayne ‘Gino’ Odjick, dies at 52

Click to play video: 'Beloved former Vancouver Canucks enforcer Gino Odjick dies'
Beloved former Vancouver Canucks enforcer Gino Odjick dies
WATCH: Beloved former Vancouver Canucks enforcer Gino Odjick dies – Jan 15, 2023

One of the most popular players to ever suit up for the Vancouver Canucks has died.

Wayne “Gino” Odjick, who played 12 seasons in the NHL for the Canucks, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens, died Sunday at the age of 52. Gino’s sister, Dina Odjick, shared the news on Facebook of his passing.

“Our hearts are broken. My brother Gino Odjick has left us for the spirit world,” she wrote.

Click to play video: 'Former Canuck Cliff Ronning remembers teammate Gino Odjick'
Former Canuck Cliff Ronning remembers teammate Gino Odjick
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Click to play video: 'BC Sports Hall of Fame curator remembers  legacy of Gino Odjick'
BC Sports Hall of Fame curator remembers legacy of Gino Odjick

Odjick spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Canucks after being selected in the 1990 entry draft, but was traded to the New York Islanders for Jason Strudwick in March 1998.

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In 2014, Odjick has diagnosed with Amyloidosis, a disease he says attacked his organs and his heart.

The former enforcer had 64 goals and 73 assists in 605 NHL games. Odjick was a key member of the 1994 Canucks Stanley Cup finalist team, playing 10 games in the playoffs for the team that lost a physical seven-game series to the New York Rangers. Odjick also did a lot of community work.

Click to play video: 'Former Canucks owner Arthur Griffiths remembers Gino Odjick'
Former Canucks owner Arthur Griffiths remembers Gino Odjick
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He holds a Canucks team record of 2,127 penalty minutes, the most in franchise history.

The Canucks issued a statement Sunday saying, in part, “He inspired many and embodied what it meant to be a Canuck.”

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 15, 2023.

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