Tony Esposito

Born and raised just across the Michigan border in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Esposito established himself as a goalie while playing hockey for Michigan Tech in the 1960s. He was a three-time first team All-American for the Huskies and led the school to the 1965 NCAA Championship.

The Hockey Hall of Famer turned professional with the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks in 1967 and debuted in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens two seasons later at the age of 25. He rose to NHL fame with the Chicago Blackhawks as the winner of both the Calder (Rookie of the Year) and Vezina (top goaltender)Trophies and the runner-up for the Hart Trophy (MVP) in 1970. He starred for the Blackhawks as one of the league’s top goaltenders for the rest of the 1970s, going on to win two more Vezina Trophies. The Blackhawks later retired his number 35.

He later became general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins and worked as chief scout for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Esposito passed away in 2021.