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Dave Balon Obituary
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
33 Entries
Richard Giordano
October 30, 2021
Still my First Hockey Idol
Al Gaetz
January 23, 2021
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
david collom
February 27, 2017
A great player strong and good with the puck he played to win that was dave balon 2 cups that he earned !!
How you can show support
November 28, 2015
rest in peace buddy i just found out great memories when we were young in wakaw and cudworth sask. ron halabet peachland b.c.
Jeff Snell
August 6, 2015
He was my hero back then. I imagined I was him when on the ice. Thanks 17, your back on the ICE again
Andrea Ghidini-Pazsak
February 14, 2012
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.
walter pompei
January 30, 2010
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 and I figured it would less trouble for the players to sign autographs there. I got Mr. Balon's autograph many times on programs and index cards and I will never forget how polite and humble he was and he always had a nice word to say after I thanked him. He was a terrific left winger who I enjoyed watching when he played for Montreal. He played with some giants on those teams but he will always be a giant in my book.
Sincerely,
Walter Pompei
Ron Smith
October 22, 2009
My condolences to Dave's family.....I was so happy when he was traded to my Canucks in '71....I have several of his hockey cards in my collection. His battle is thankfully over and he now waits for his loved ones in a better place.
Vincent Lombardo
June 9, 2009
From Milan, a 60 year old madison square garden usher and amateur hockey player read of Mr. Dave Benon's passing on the Ranger's site. I saw almost all his games... and remember the surprise of coming to know of his greatness game by game. Goal after goal... The image I have is of him hustling into the corner, arriving first, and creating opportunities. Number 17 ... 'This guy is good ... a winner among winners.' This was Mr. Belon for me, and many, many hockey fans. Vincent Lombardo P.S. My cousin (almost sister), 42, has MS.... and I will be close to her.. as we all are still ... to number 17!!!!!!
mark willianen
January 20, 2008
sorry to hear of your loss rhonda
daves granddaughter in thunder bay
Les Spink
July 23, 2007
My sympathy to Gwen and the Balon family. I cherish the memorabilia I received from the Balon family. Dave was an incredible hockey player.Thank you for your kindness.
Ed Jackson
July 3, 2007
I was fortunate to visit with Dave at the Herb Bassett the last few years,as my brother is still there.
From our early years working together at Prince Albert National Park on the garbage truck,to meeting in Toronto at a Rangers game,going on boat rides at Waskesui,our visits in Prince Albert,the one redeeming character of Dave was his pure genuineness and
strong character.Yes he was an NHL
Great but in the people world he was loved and respected
Albert Ostrosky
June 17, 2007
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Dave. He was a great hockey player.
Albert(Fanna) & Rita Ostrosky
Scott Burnett
June 7, 2007
June 7
My deepest sympathies to the Balon family. I hope they know that Dave's life and career impacted many far beyond Wakaw and the NHL cities in which he played. The perseverance and professionalism that typified his career in the "original six" inspire me everyday. Rest easy "20", rest easy.
Anne Porter(Dyson)
June 3, 2007
my fondest memories of Dave are when he, and his 2 brothers played for the P.A. Mintos- all young girls in the area were in awe of him and his humor-my deepest sympathy-you have truly lost a Northern Sask. treasure may your memories sustain you
Ed Byrne,former Flyers & North Stars stickboy
June 2, 2007
I remember Dave as a quiet,hardwork
ing forward as a player with the
Rangers,Canadiens,North Stars and
Canucks,real similar in style and
personality to Jacques Lemaire.Any-
body who's got their name on the
Stanley Cup not once but twice can
certainly be proud of achieving a
lofty pinnacle such as that.It's a
shame that his playing career had to be cut short by his disease.
Peter Kelley
June 1, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the Balon family. Dave Balon was one of my favorite players as a New York Ranger. I have his stick from a 1970-1971 game!! I'll treasure it even more. My memories of the left winger on the "Bulldog Line" will last forever!!
Tom Gugliuzza
June 1, 2007
Deepest sympathy to the Balon family.
Rick Sherry
May 31, 2007
My deepest sympathy on the loss of one hockeys pioneers. I still have his trading card from when he played in Vancouver. Again my deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the Balon family in this time of sorrow.
Roger Finishen
May 31, 2007
many good memories of fun times in Waskesu
Les Solymos
May 31, 2007
we remember our happy days at Waskesiu,Gwen. We are thinking of you all.
Les and Karen Solymos
Kelowna,BC.
Deborah Anderson
May 31, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
O. Griffin
May 31, 2007
RIP
Sheila Smith
May 31, 2007
Rest in Peace Dave.
BD Kelley
May 30, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with
you in your time of sorrow. May your memories bring you comfort and peace
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
May 30, 2007
REST IN PEACE DAVE BALON
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