A popular professional Canadian ice hockey player has sadly died aged 52.
Gino Odjick was one of the most loved players for the Vancouver Canucks team and tributes have poured in after news of his death broke on Sunday, January 15, 2023.
Who was Gino Odjick?
Gino Odjick was a fan favourite player for the Vancouver Canucks and his primary role was an enforcer.
His real name was Wayne Gino Odjick and he played 12 seasons in the NHL for the Canucks, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens.
He was born on September 7, 1970, in Maniwaki, Canada.
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Throughout his career, Gino had 64 goals and 23 assists in 605 NHL games and holds the Canucks team record with his 2,127 penalty minutes – the most in franchise history.
He was known to entertain the crowds with his unpredictability and tough-guy persona on the ice – involved in 148 NHL fights.
Francesco Aquilini, the Canucks’ chairman and governor, said: “Gino was a fan favourite from the moment he joined the organization, putting his heart and soul into every shift on and off the ice.”
The beloved ice hockey player was also a prominent member of society and volunteered with a lot of community work.
Gino, ranked 17th in the sport, was considered a legend to the Canuck nation, and is being honored on January 16, 2023, at the Pacific Coliseum.
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What happened to Gino Odjick?
On Sunday, January 15, 2023, Gino’s sister, Dina Odjick, shared the news of her brother’s death on Twitter.
She wrote: “Our hearts are broken. My brother Gino Odjick has left us for the spirit world.”
The player was just 52 when he passed away from a heart attack, most likely linked to his Amyloidosis diagnosis.
This is a rare condition caused by a build-up of abnormal proteins, called amyloid, in organs and tissues all over the body – making it difficult for them to work.
Gino was diagnosed with the disease in 2014 and previously said it attacked his heart and other organs.
His close friend, Peter Leech, shared this statement: “He had a heart attack, and couldn’t recover from it. We knew this day was going to come, we didn’t know when.
“We were hoping much later, he collapsed in the clinic, thank god the nurses were there. They worked on him for 45 minutes, it was tough to watch.”
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Was Gino Odjick married?
Gino was married and leaves behind wife Jolene Odjick, although not much is known about her.
He kept their relationship extremely private but she was present and supportive at his games.
They are recognized as having a loving and faithful relationship.
Did Gino Odjick have any children?
Jolene and Gino shared two children together, Bure Odjick and Tobias Commanda-Odjick.
Not much is known about his sons as Gino did not share details of his family life and marriage with the public.
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