As SooToday reported earlier this week, a local hockey legend has passed away at the age of 96.
Marty Pavelich, who was born in Sault Ste. Marie in 1927, played 10 seasons as a left-winger for the Detroit Red Wings, tallying 93 goals and 159 assists — and capturing four Stanley Cup championships alongside superstars Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay.
Until his death on June 27, Pavelich was the second-oldest living NHL player. The oldest just so happens to be another Saultite: 101-year-old Steve Wochy.
Pavelich was an inaugural member of the Sault Ste Marie Hockey Hall of Fame, inducted in 1964. He went on to serve 10 years on the Hockey Hall of Fame's Selection Committee, between 1996 and 2006.
In 1991, Pavelich and his wife Marjorie moved to Big Sky, Montana, where he fly-fished and skied up until his mid-90s. He was instrumental in building the Big Sky Chapel, which opened in 1999, and the Big Sky Meadow rink, which was named in his honour two years ago.
As the hockey world mourns his loss, the above photo gallery captures Pavelich during his playing days with the Red Wings so many decades ago. You can read his full obituary HERE.