It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of former Flin Flon Bomber and NHL great Gerry Hart.

 

I found out the horrible news on Saturday and I must admit I was totally shocked.

 

Gerry not only starred for the Bombers between 1964 and 1968 but went on to a lengthy career in the NHL which lasted over 12 years.

 

Hart played for a few different NHL clubs in his time but the bulk of  it was spent with the upstart New York Islanders.

 

Gerry went to New York in 1972 and played well over 400 games with the Isles and was the Captain for many of those seasons.

 

Unfortunately  Gerry would  miss the Islanders cup run by one season. Gerry  got claimed by Quebec when the NHL held their expansion draft in 1979-80.

 

Gerry retired from the NHL in 1982-83 and never forgot his roots. He told me many times that growing up in Flin Flon and playing for the Bombers made him who he is.

 

Hart made a point of coming back to Flin Flon every summer and usually was able to make it to a couple of games in the season.

 

He also made many financial contributions to the team and would purchase tickets for needy kids on many occasions. Hart was also one of the people  that understood the importance of getting the Bomber Alumni involved with the organization.

 

Along with Bobby Clarke and Reggie Leach they spear headed large financial contributions to help build the new Bomber dressing room and get a team bus.

 

Gerry always had a smile on his face and was one of the most encouraging people that I have had the pleasure of meeting.

 

Once a Bomber , always a Bomber. RIP Gerry you were a great ambassador for the community and your legacy will live on.