Phil Goyette, a four-time Stanley Cup champion with the Montreal Canadiens, has died at the age of 92. The former forward, known for his sportsmanship, also served as the New York Islanders' first head coach. The Canadiens announced his passing on January 17.
Phil Goyette, born on October 31, 1933, in Lachine, Quebec, began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1956-57 season. Over his first seven years with the team, he contributed to four consecutive Stanley Cup victories from 1957 to 1960. In 375 games with Montreal, Goyette recorded 182 points while accumulating just 44 penalty minutes, showcasing his reputation as a gentleman on the ice.
Goyette played a total of 941 regular-season games across four teams, tallying 207 goals and 467 assists for 674 points. He also added 17 goals and 29 assists in 94 playoff games. After stints with the New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, and Buffalo Sabres, he won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in the 1969-70 season with the Blues, where he scored 29 goals and 78 points with only 16 penalty minutes. That award recognized his combination of sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct, and high playing ability. Goyette concluded his playing career in 1971-72 with the Rangers, who lost the Stanley Cup Final to Boston in six games.
Transitioning to coaching, Goyette became the inaugural head coach of the expansion New York Islanders in the 1972-73 season. The team finished with a 6-40-4 record before he was replaced by Earl Ingarfield. The Canadiens stated, "It is with great sadness that the Montreal Canadiens learned of the passing of Phil Goyette on January 17." They noted he was the second oldest among Canadiens Alumni. The Rangers expressed, "We join the hockey world in sending our condolences to Phil’s loved ones, friends, and former teammates." The Islanders added, "The Islanders are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Phil Goyette, the organization’s original head coach. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."
Goyette's family thanked the public for their sympathy wishes. No cause of death was provided.