Dale Hawerchuk, Hockey Hall of Famer and legendary Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, St Louis Blues, and Philadelphia Flyers player has passed away. The Canadian born centre was fighting a long battle with cancer.
After an incredibly brave and difficult battle with cancer, our dad has passed away. My family is so proud of him and the way he fought. #HawerchukStrong pic.twitter.com/xZ1xcaqAOv
— Eric Hawerchuk (@EricHawerchuk) August 18, 2020
Dale Hawerchuk Passes Away
On Twitter today Dale’s son, Eric, posted about his father’s passing and battle with cancer. The 57-year-old Toronto native played 16 seasons in the NHL. In 1,188 games played Hawerchuk scored 518 goals and 891 assists for 1,409 total points. Dale Hawerchuk passes away while at 20th on the all-time points list, in front of Jari Kurri and behind Doug Gilmour.
Hawerchuk spent his first nine seasons in the league playing for the Jets. He won the Calder Trophy his rookie season, posting 45 goals and 58 assists for 103 points on the season. He would never win another trophy in his career, but would go on to have five seasons with over 100 points scored. In 97 playoff appearances, he scored 30 goals and 69 assists for 99 total points in the postseason.
Coaching Career
Hawerchuk would go on to be the head coach the Barrie Colts in the OHL starting in 2010. In his nine seasons at the helm, Hawerchuk would bring them to the playoffs six times, with one appearance in the finals.
Battle With Cancer
At the end of August 2019, Dale was diagnosed with stomach cancer. He had surgery to remove parts of his colon and stomach. On April 13 the Jets legend had finished his last round of chemotherapy. In an interview with 680 CJOB, he said he felt good to be on the other side of something he wasn’t sure he’d survive. He had surgery to remove parts of his colon and stomach.
Despite the progress, his family announced that his cancer had returned in July. He was a legend to the sport and a loving husband and father, and will be deeply missed by those who knew him and fans alike.
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