Former NHL forward J.P. Parise passed away yesterday after a long term battle with lung cancer took its toll. Parise was first diagnosed with lung cancer last January. Funeral arrangement’s are being made, and the Parise released the following statement.
“We appreciate the outpouring of support we have received from family, friends and the entire hockey community during this difficult time,” the Parise family said Thursday in a statement. “J.P. was a great husband, father and grandpa and will be greatly missed by all of us.”
While Parise also spent time with both the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, and Cleveland Barons; it is his time with the Minnesota North Stars, as well as his participation in the 1972 NHL Summit series that are most remembered by hockey fans.
Parise spent the 1972 series on Team Canada’s top line, skating with Phil Esposito and Wayne Cashman. He was ejected in the 8th game, in what was a controversial turn of events. Of course Paul Henderson won that game with one of the most famous goals in Hockey History.
Following his career Parise was influential in the growth of hockey in the Minnesota area through his work at the grassroots level.
He had 594 points (238 goals, 356 assists) in 890 NHL games from 1965-79.
“The National Hockey League family mourns the passing and cherishes the memory of J.P. Parise,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “Especially in his adopted home state of Minnesota, J.P. was a consummate player, teacher and administrator in the game.
“The Parise name has been prominent in Minnesota hockey since the 1960s, and J.P.’s commitment and passion for the NHL lives on through his son, Zach. The NHL sends heartfelt condolences to J.P.’s family, to his friends, to the Minnesota Wild organization and to all the organizations J.P. represented with such passion.”
J.P. Parise wass also the father of current Minnesota Wild star Zach Parise.
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Main Photo by Denis Brodeur/NHLI via Getty Images
