Actor Paul D'Amato, who plays Tim “Dr. Hook” McCracken, who starred in the famous film “Slap Shot,” has died.
Patch.com learned this on Monday.
• Also read: A character from the cult film “Slap Shot” has died
• Also read: “Slapshot”: The Hanson brothers visit Quebec in February
D'Amato died after a four-year battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain disease. He was 75 years old.
The Massachusetts native used his acting experience and hockey skills to land a villainous role in the film opposite Paul Newman.
As the “Coach and Leader of the Punks” of the Syracuse Bulldogs, Tim “Dr. Hook” McCracken took his team to the ultimate duel against the Charlestown Chiefs. It is the behavior of D'Amato's character that ends the championship game and leads to the end of the film.
He is the second actor hired to play a skater for the Syracuse Bulldogs in 2024. Former ice hockey player Connie Madigan, who played Ross “Mad Dog” Madison in “Slap Slot,” died in January.
Great visit
In addition, artists from two of the three famous Hanson brothers will visit Quebec this week. Jack (real name Dave Hanson) has confirmed his presence, as well as that of Jeff Hanson (Jeff Carlson) and Denis Lemieux (Yvon Barrette), at the home of the Shawinigan Cataractes for next Friday's clash at the Gervais Auto Center. For this occasion, the Mauricie Club will wear a special vest.
The three characters will also be at the Gatineau Olympics on Thursday and the Sherbrooke Phoenix on Saturday.