The world of sports is in mourning as we bid farewell to Connie Madigan, a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman known for being the oldest rookie in National Hockey League (NHL) history. His sudden passing on January 3, 2024, has sent shockwaves throughout the Canadian sports fraternity.
Who was Connie Madigan?
Nicknamed ‘Mad Dog’, Connie Madigan was a renowned figure in the world of ice hockey. Born on October 4, 1934, in Port Arthur, Ontario, Connie’s passion for the sport was evident from an early age. He had a vibrant personality that left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His unexpected demise has left the sports community at a profound loss.
Connie Madigan Career
Connie Madigan’s contribution to the sport of ice hockey spans several decades. In the late 1950s, he played many years in senior leagues in Ontario and British Columbia. He cemented his status as a minor league star with the Fort Wayne Komets of the International Hockey League in the early 1960s, where he played for three consecutive seasons.
Later, he spent nine seasons with the Portland Buckaroos of the Western Hockey League. Despite his late entry into the NHL, his talent and skill on the ice made him a memorable figure in the league’s history.
How Did Connie Madigan Die?
Connie Madigan passed away suddenly on January 3, 2024. The news of his death was announced by his family through a Facebook post. At this time, the exact circumstances surrounding his passing remain undisclosed.
Rich Orth
RIP Connie MadiganCornelius Dennis “Mad Dog” Madigan (born October 4, 1934 in Port Arthur, Ontario) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman notable for being the oldest rookie in National Hockey League history.After playing several years in senior leagues in Ontario and British Columbia in the late 1950s, Madigan had a lengthy career as a minor league star, most notably with the Fort Wayne Komets of the International Hockey League for three seasons in the early 1960s, and then for the Portland Buckaroos of the Western Hockey League for nine seasons. He won accolades as First Team league All-Star in 1960, 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969, Second Team All-Star in 1965, 1971 and 1972, as well as winning best defenceman honors in 1966.Beset with numerous injuries in the 1972–73 NHL season, the St. Louis Blues of the NHL bought Madigan’s rights from the Buckaroos, and he suited up for the Blues in January 1973 at the age of 38, becoming the oldest rookie ever. He played competently for the Blues in twenty regular-season games and five playoff games, before finishing his career with Portland in parts of the two successive seasons.At the time of his retirement, Madigan was second in minor league history in career penalty minutes, and is still 80th in that category.In addition to Madigan’s hockey career, he had a minor role in the 1977 cult classic movie Slap Shot as legendary hockey goon Ross “Mad Dog” Madison.Born: October 4, 1934 (age 89) in Port Arthur, ON, CANHeight: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)Weight: 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)Position: DefenceShot: LeftPlayed for:St. Louis BluesPlaying career 1958–1976
What was the Cause of Connie Madigan Death?
As of the time of this publication, the exact cause of Connie Madigan’s death has not been revealed to the public. Further information will be provided once it becomes available.
Connie Madigan Obituary
As we mourn the loss of Connie Madigan, we remember him for his remarkable contributions to the sport of ice hockey, his vibrant personality, and his unforgettable legacy as the oldest rookie in NHL history.
George Kuhn
RIP Connie Madigan who we lost yesterday. Here is my story of his life and career.This day in hockey history, February 6th 1973, Connie Madigan played his first NHL game at the age of 38,for the St. Louis Blues in a 5-1 victory over the visiting Vancouver Canucks. He was the the oldest rookie in NHL history, Cornelius Dennis “Mad Dog” Madigan was (born October 4, 1934 in Port Arthur, Ontario. After playing several years in senior leagues in Ontario and British Columbia in the late 1950s, Madigan had a lengthy career as a minor league star, with the Fort Wayne Komets of the International Hockey League for three seasons in the early 1960s, and then for the Portland Buckaroos of the Western Hockey League for nine seasons. He was a First Team league All-Star in 1960, 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969, Second Team All-Star in 1965, 1971 and 1972, and won best defenceman honors in 1966.When the St. Louis Blues suffered numerous injuries in the 1972–73 NHL season, they bought Madigan’s rights from the Buckaroos, and he suited up for the Blues in January 1973 at the age of 38, becoming the oldest rookie ever. He played competently for the Blues in twenty regular-season games and five playoff games, before finishing his career with Portland in parts of the two successive seasons.At the time of his retirement, Madigan was second in minor league history in career penalty minutes. Despite being retired for 40 seasons, Madigan is still 89th in career penalty minutes. In addition to Madigan’s hockey career, he had a minor role in the 1977 cult classic movie Slap Shot as legendary hockey goon Ross “Mad Dog” Madison.
Our deepest condolences go out to Connie’s family, friends, and all those affected by this profound loss. His passing is indeed a significant loss to the sports community, and he will be greatly missed.
Further updates regarding Connie Madigan’s passing will be shared as soon as they become available. In the meantime, let us honor his memory by celebrating his remarkable career and offering support to those grieving his loss.
