Former New York Islanders defenseman Paul Boutilier has died just days after turning 63, it has been announced.
Boutilier, who helped the Islanders win the Stanley Cup during his five-year stint in New York, celebrated his birthday at the start of the month. A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
The NHL Alumni Association confirmed his tragic passing in a statement on Thursday.
‘We send our deepest condolences to Paul’s family, friends, and former teammates during this incredibly difficult time,’ the NHLAA said.
Boutilier spent nine seasons in the NHL after being selected 21st overall by the Islanders in the 1981 Draft.
The Canadian player enjoyed a bit-part role in New York’s 1982-83 Stanley Cup-winning season, featuring in 29 regular-season and two playoff games.
Former New York Islanders defenseman Paul Boutilier has died just days after turning 63
Boutilier helped the Islanders win the Stanley Cup during his five-year stint in New York
After becoming more of a key player in the next two seasons, Boutilier later enjoyed stints with the Boston Bruins, Minnesota North Stars, New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets before retiring in 1991 following a brief spell in Switzerland.
During the 1982-83 season, he split time between the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League and the NHL, while he also played for both the Islanders and the Central Hockey League’s Indianapolis Checkers in the 1983-84 campaign.
Boutilier, who went by the nickname ‘Boots’, made 13 regular-season appearances for the Islanders, while featuring 36 timers in the playoffs.
On the international stage, he represented Canada on several occasions and captured gold in the 1982 World Junior Championship.
After retiring Boutilier ventured into coaching, working as an assistant coach for Saint Mary’s University in Canada from 1991-93. He was then promoted to head coach and remained in that position until 1997.
Fans were quick to pay tribute to him on social media Thursday, with one writing: ‘RIP Boots. Many defenseman owe you gratitude.’
Another said: ‘I had the opportunity to be on the ice with Paul numerous times while coaching at Hockey Canada/Team Atlantic U17 camps. Boots was a great hockey player teacher and a fine gentleman. Condolences to Paul’s family and friends.’
While a third put: ‘A New York Islander Stanley Cup Champion – May you Rest easy Paul’.
