Former Maple Leaf Suddenly Passes Away at the Age of 81
Photo credit: Instagram: NHL Alumni Association
Former Maple Leaf Andre Champagne has suddenly passes away at the age of 81, per an official report.
The hockey community is mourning the loss of former Toronto Maple Leafs player and NHL alumnus Andre Champagne, who has passed away at the age of 81.
The NHL Alumni Association shared a touching tribute on X:
"The NHL Alumni Association is saddened to learn that Andre Champagne has passed away at the age of 81.
From Eastview, Ontario, Andre enjoyed an incredibly successful junior hockey career, winning the Memorial Cup with Toronto St. Michael's in 1961.
Andre made his NHL debut on February 23, 1963, against the Boston Bruins at Maple Leaf Gardens, and would play one more game on February 27 against the Chicago Black Hawks.
After his time in Toronto, Andre joined the Rochester Americans, Toronto's AHL affiliate at the time, for the 1963 Calder Cup Playoffs. Andre returned to junior hockey for the 1963-64 season with the Toronto Marlboros, where he'd win his second Memorial Cup.
Andre's professional hockey career later took him to Tulsa in the Central Professional Hockey League, before returning to AHL Rochester, where he'd play his final three seasons.
We send our deepest condolences to Andre's family, friends, and former teammates during this difficult time."
From Eastview, Ontario, Andre enjoyed an incredibly successful junior hockey career, winning the Memorial Cup with Toronto St. Michael's in 1961.
Andre made his NHL debut on February 23, 1963, against the Boston Bruins at Maple Leaf Gardens, and would play one more game on February 27 against the Chicago Black Hawks.
After his time in Toronto, Andre joined the Rochester Americans, Toronto's AHL affiliate at the time, for the 1963 Calder Cup Playoffs. Andre returned to junior hockey for the 1963-64 season with the Toronto Marlboros, where he'd win his second Memorial Cup.
Andre's professional hockey career later took him to Tulsa in the Central Professional Hockey League, before returning to AHL Rochester, where he'd play his final three seasons.
We send our deepest condolences to Andre's family, friends, and former teammates during this difficult time."
Andre Champagne Contribution to the Sport of Hockey
Champagne appeared in two NHL games for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 1962-63 season -- the same year the team captured the Stanley Cup, their second in what became three consecutive championships from 1962 to 1964.
Following his brief time with the Leafs, Champagne played in the AHL, OHA, and CPHL until retiring after the 1969-70 season.
One of his most notable achievements came in the 1963-64 season with the Toronto Marlboros of the OHA, where he recorded a career-best 71 points and helped the team secure another Memorial Cup.
The hockey world joins together in mourning the passing of Andre Champagne. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and former teammates.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
TRENDING NOW
