Dave-Balon-Obituary

Dave Balon

Obituary

PRINCE ALBERT, Saskatchewan (AP) - Dave Balon, who won two Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1960s during a 14-year NHL career, died Tuesday. He was 68.

Balon had multiple sclerosis for more than 30 years. His death was confirmed by the New York Rangers, one of his former teams.

Balon also played for the Vancouver Canucks and Minnesota North Stars, as well as the Quebec Nordiques when they were part of the WHA. The left wing had career totals of 192 goals and 222 assists, with 607 penalty minutes.

Balon began his NHL career with the Rangers in 1959 but was traded to Montreal in a highly publicized deal that brought goaltending great Jacques Plante to New York in 1963.

He went on to win the Cup with Montreal in 1965 and '66. He assisted on Herni Richard's Cup-winning goal in overtime against the Detroit Red Wings on May 5, 1966.

Between 1968 and 1972, Balon played with center Walt Tkaczuk and right wing Bill Fairbairn to form the Rangers' Bulldog Line. He led New York with 33 goals in 1969-70 and 36 in 1970-71.

Balon began the 1971-72 season with the Rangers but was traded to Vancouver early in the season. He ended his NHL career with the Canucks in 1972-73. He attempted a comeback in the WHA with Quebec during the 1973-74 season but was forced to retire at age 35 because of multiple sclerosis.

Balon was born in Wakaw and played junior hockey in Saskatchewan.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press


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Still my First Hockey Idol

I spent 5 years with Dave as his GM when he coached the Humboldt Broncos He was one of the greatest persons I have ever know We had so many good times with him and Gwen. I keep thinking about and the story and jokes he would tell I will always remember him

A great player strong and good with the puck he played to win that was dave balon 2 cups that he earned !!

rest in peace buddy i just found out great memories when we were young in wakaw and cudworth sask. ron halabet peachland b.c.

He was my hero back then. I imagined I was him when on the ice. Thanks 17, your back on the ICE again

I just read of Dave's death. I believe he was a cousin of my late grandmother Natalie Balon Ghidini of Connecticut. I am so sorry for your loss.

My deepest and belated condolences to the family of Mr Balon. I just read about his passing and I would be remiss if I did not write some things about this great man. I am a 58 year old man and as a boy in the mid sixties, I followed hockey with an incredible passion. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Balon many times as I would always go to the visiting players gate before and after the game to get the visitng teams autographs. I even use to go to the old LaSalle Hotel where the teams stayed...