NHL's 'oldest rookie' and actor from cult classic Slap Shot passes away at age 89

Somehow this news escaped me last week, but a post from NHL coaching and broadcasting legend Don Cherry brought it to my attention.

Grapes took to social media to express his condolences to the family of Connie 'Mad Dog' Madigan, who passed away last week at the age of 89.

From Grapes:

Madigan played just 20 NHL games with the St. Louis Blues but was a legend of the old professional WHL for the Portland Buckaroos. He's maybe most notable for being the oldest rookie in NHL history, suiting up for his first NHL game at the age of 38 years old in January, 1973.

He was a tough, no nonsense kind of player who earned his 'Mad Dog' moniker the honest way. He piled up fighting majors in his time and was 2nd all-time in minor league PIMs when he returned in 1976. 

The left handed defenseman grew up in Port Arthur, Ontario and played his junior hockey in his hometown before moving west to play in Saskatchewan and British Columbia before turning pro in 1958. In total he put up 97 goals and 503 points along with a whopping 1,846 penalty minutes in 806 career WHL games.

Fans of a certain vintage may remember Madigan most from his appearance in the cult classic movie Slap Shot where he had a minor role playing goon Ross 'Mad Dog' Madison.

Madigan, as Madison, was introduced alongside his 'Bulldogs' teammates Tim 'Dr. Hook' McCracken, Clarence 'Screaming Buffalo' Swampton, Andre 'Poodle' Lussier, Gilmour Tuttle and... of course... the legendary Ogie Ogilthorpe. 

Remember this?

Just a classic. Gotta love Mad Dog coming out and flashing the bird to all his boo'ing fans. It may be a slight exaggeration, but that's pretty much the way that old time, minor league hockey was back in those days. 

RIP, Mad Dog. Gone, but never forgotten.

You lived a fantastic life and you left your mark on the game like few others have. If nothing else, you'll live on forever thanks to your small part in the greatest hockey film ever released. Once again, RIP Mad Dog.