The National Hockey League (NHL) and Blackhawks have mourned the death of legendary goaltender Tony Esposito who died on Tuesday at the age of 78.

Chicago Blackhawks announced that the Hockey Hall of Famer has died after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Tony Esposito is survived by his wife, Marilyn, sons Mark and Jayson, and his grandchildren Lauryn and Kamryn.

READ NEXT: Mexico's Abraham Ancer Wins First PGA Tour in FedEx St. Jude Invitational

Blackhawks Lament NHL Goaltender Tony Esposito's Passing

As Blackhawks announced the sudden passing of the Hall of Fame goalie on Tuesday, the team called Tony Esposito a legend in the hockey arena.

Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz said in a statement that Esposito's passing marks a sad day for the Blackhawks as well as the NHL nation, NBC Chicago reported.

"But with his wonderful family, let us celebrate a life well-lived," Wirtz noted, adding that the Hall of Fame goalie's banner would be a part of the United Center forever. Furthermore, Wirtz said that four generations of his family were "blessed" by Esposito's work ethic.

In the wake of Esposito's passing, the Blackhawks coach recalled how welcoming and hospitable the NHL goalie was. Wirtz highlighted that Tony Esposito and his wife would invite the rookies of Blackhawks with "countless dinners," and everyone in the team would be present during their family's annual Christmas parties.

For his part, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman noted that Esposito's style, charisma, and heart endeared him most to hockey fans not only in Chicago but across the NHL. 

"The hockey world will miss him greatly," Bettman said.

Esposito's family has yet to issue an official statement about the passing of the NHL goaltender and Hall of Famer.

NHL Tony Esposito and his Career

Tony Esposito had his debut with Montreal Canadiens in NHL season 1968-1969. The player then appeared in the 13 games of that season.

After that season, Blackhawks drafted Esposito from the Montreal Canadiens for a sum of $25,000. The player then made a great impact in his pilot year with the Blackhawks, playing as the team's number one goalie. 

The Blackhawks then got into first place in his first season with the team while registered 15 shutouts, which is still a modern record for an NHL goalie.

The following season after Esposito signed with the Blackhawks, the hall of Famer won the Calder and Vezina and finished in second in Hart Trophy voting.

Following that season, the Hall of Famer aided the Blackhawks to compete in a Western Division title and appeared in the Stanley Cup final. However, the team lost to the Canadiens in seven games.

In 1974, Esposito won the Vezina trophy once again as he failed to allow more than three goals a game in his first seven seasons with the team.

Overall, Tony Esposito had at least 873 career games with the Blackhawks, with a record of 418-302-148. He also had 2.93 goals as well as 74 shutouts while he stayed on the team.

Apart from being a player, Esposito also stayed with the Blackhawks as its ambassador.

NHL goalie Tony Esposito was designated to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988. His number 35 jersey was then retired by the Blackhawks in that same year.

READ MORE: Lionel Messi: 'I'm Not Ready for This,' Confirming FC Barcelona Exit

This article is owned by Latin Post

Written By: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Tony Esposito Highlights - From oilerfanatic1