Advent Day 22 - Mike Bossy

One of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history Mike Bossy left his mark in the league playing only ten seasons - all with the Islanders. Despite a career that was shortened by back injuries (retiring at only 30) he shattered scoring records and was a part of the dynasty that won 4 Stanley Cups between 1980-83.

He came into the league in 1977 scoring 53 goals and winning the Calder as rookie of the year. He would go on to score 50 or more in the next 9 seasons. In 1980-81 he scored the legendary 50 goals in 50 games, and recorded 9 hat tricks. The pinnacle of his career came the following season when he scored 64 goals and had 83 assists. He was an even greater threat in the playoffs where he had 160 points in 129 games.

Besides 4 Stanley Cups and the Calder, Bossy who was strictly against fighting, brought home the Lady Byng three times. (In the 83-84 season he had a miniscule 8 penalty minutes.) He was also rewarded with the Conn Smythe in 81-82, the season that saw the Islanders retain the Stanley Cup for a second time.

He was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Islanders retired his number 22 officially in 1992.

More on Mike Bossy can be found at the HHOF's Legends of Hockey page here.

His jerseys in the database can be found here.

About the jerseys: The Islanders changed their blue jerseys in 1977, and then again in 1978. They changed the number font several times in the early 80's and removed the name outlines following the 1983 season.

Watch for the goal scored in mid-air after being hit by Tiger Williams and try and ignore the music...: