Former National Hockey League star goaltender Andy Moog, who finished his career with the Montreal Canadiens, is battling cancer.
It was Mike Vaughn, the creator of the Vaughn gear brand that Moog has worn throughout his career, who announced the sad news on social media on Thursday.
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“Our long-time good friend Andy Moog has cancer. He asked us to share the news with the hockey community that has been so important to him over the years. We hope to share your thoughts and well wishes with him as he embarks on the toughest fight of his career,” Vaughn wrote on Instagram.
The 63-year-old won three Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers when Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier and Co. worked in Alberta. The British Columbia native is the 19th most won goalkeeper in history and has 372 wins in his 713 game career.
He was the second fastest goaltender in history to reach 300 wins and also appeared in four All-Star Games and the 1988 Calgary Olympics.
Moog also played for the Boston Bruins and Dallas Stars before playing his final season with the Habs in 1997-1998. He served as assistant to Jocelyn Thibault and attended 42 meetings.
Coach and mentor
In his touching message, Vaughn recalled that Moog was deeply committed to people with disabilities throughout his life, particularly at the Special Olympics level.
“We all know his performances on the ice are incredible. He also spent many years as a coach and mentor on many levels, but his dedication as a husband, parent, grandfather and good friend is even more remarkable. “Andy is one of the most generous people I know, with incredible integrity and a true love of sports,” said Mike Vaughn.
For the past five years, Moog has served as the goaltending coach for the Portland Winterhawks, a Western Junior League (WHL) club.