Flyers confirm Rick MacLeish has died at 66

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - The Philadelphia Flyers confirm Rick MacLeish has passed away.

A statement from Flyers President Paul Holmgren reads, "With the passing of Rick MacLeish, the Flyers have lost one of their legends. A good father, grandfather, teammate and friend, Rick will be missed by all who were fortunate to come and know him over the years. His happy and friendly demeanor was front and center everywhere Rick went. Today, our thoughts and prayers are with Rick's wife, Charlene, his daughters, Danielle and Brianna along with his grandchildren. May he rest in peace."

Former Flyer Reggie Leach broke the news on his Facebook page.

MacLeish was one of the original members of the Broad Street Bullies.

The Flyers noted MacLeish spent parts of 12 seasons with the team. That included 11 straight from 1970-71 to 1980-81.

Among his stats: 697 points as a Flyer, which ranks fourth in franchise history; 328 goals, which ranks sixth; and 369 assists in 741 games. His number of assists is tied for fifth in Flyers history, and his number of games is tied for sixth.

Also, he scored the game winning goal that gave the Flyers their first Stanley Cup in 1974. He was also the first Flyer to score 50 goals in a season.

MacLeish was inducted into the Flyers Hall of Fame in its third year of existence on Mar. 22, 1990.

Last month, MacLeish's daughter announced her father was dealing with several medical problems and had been hospitalized for six weeks.

Rick MacLeish was 66 years old.