Condolences Pouring In Following the Death of Former NHLer Gino Odjick
Written by Paul Graif on 16 January 2023
Tributes from around the NHL and Indigenous communities pouring in following the passing of Wayne “Gino” Odjick at the age of 52. Drafted in 1990 Odjick played 12 seasons in the NHL for the Vancouver Canucks, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens. In 2014, he was diagnosed with Amyloidosis —a rare terminal illness that causes a gelatin-like protein to be deposited in the heart muscle. The former enforcer had 64 goals and 73 assists in 605 NHL games.
Another Former NHL star Reggie Leach followed Odjick’s career and became friendly with him.
He says it’s a loss for everyone, especially Indigenous youth.
“The time I did spend with Gino, he was such a kind and loving man,” Leach told K1037 News. “As a hockey player he knew his job and he did it really well, but I think it was more than that. It was what he did after hockey and what he did off the ice. To me it was more rewarding to see what he has done with different First Nations communities. The people he made feel welcome all the time. He did everything with his heart and it made him this very, very special man.”
Daniel Montour of Kahnawake has been friends with Odjick since 1994. That friendship began when Montour showed kindness and hospitality to Odjick’s father Joe. “I was in shock, disbelief,” Montour said. “I knew he was sick but I didn’t expect it would happen hen it did. I talked to him every week. Once a week we speak, either he calls me or I call him. The last time I spoke to him was New Year’s day. He had a strong voice, like always. I asked him how he was feeling? ‘I’m good Danny Boy,’ We wished each other Happy New Year and he wished Happy New Year to my family and said: ‘I’ll talk to you again,’ And that was the last time that I spoke to him”
Former K1037 personality Andy Ellison hosted a wrestling show in Kahnawake in the mid 2000’s – when he faced Abdullah the Butcher in the ring.
“Gino was a great guy. I got to know him through his appearance in Kahnawake when he was in my corner for a match against Abdullah the Butcher,” Ellison said. “He was always someone who helped the community, no matter what he was going through. It was a great night. I developed a strong relationship with him moving forward. It was a great match, myself versus Abdullah the Butcher with the legendary Gino Odjick in my corner.”
