Connie Madigan Passed Away: At the age of 89, Connie Madigan, a.k.a. goon Ross “Mad Dog” Madison of the Syracuse Bulldogs, and Western Hockey League icon for the Portland Buckaroos, passed dead. Last night, on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, Connie passed away. He was a long-time professional hockey player. In 1973, at the age of 38, he signed with the St. Louis Blues, becoming the oldest rookie in NHL history.
More than anybody I have ever encountered, he was a legend in the NHL, a loving father who sacrificed everything for his family, and a guy who cherished networking and building relationships.
On October 4, 1934, Connie was born in Port Arthur, Ontario. Madigan had a long career as a minor league star, most notably with the Fort Wayne Komets of the International Hockey League for three seasons in the early 1960s and then for the Portland Buckaroos of the Western Hockey League for nine seasons, following several years of play in senior leagues in Ontario and British Columbia in the late 1950s.
In addition to being named the league’s First Team All-Star in 1960, 1966, 1967, 1968, and 1969, he was also named to the Second Team All-Star in 1965, 1971, and 1972, and in 1966 he was named the best defenseman.
After suffering many injuries during the 1972–73 NHL season, Madigan’s rights were purchased by the St. Louis Blues from the Buckaroos. At the age of 38, he made his debut with the Blues in January 1973, making him the oldest rookie in team history. Before concluding his career with Portland in portions of the two following seasons, he played adequately for the Blues in twenty games during the regular season and five during the postseason.
Madigan still ranks 80th in minor league history for lifetime penalty minutes, having finished second at the time of his retirement.
Apart from his hockey career, Madigan also starred as notorious hockey goon Ross “Mad Dog” Madison in the 1977 cult classic film Slap Shot.
Connie will always be remembered for his great commitment to the NHL and will be missed dearly. Keep his family in your prayers.
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