Beloved Canucks legend Gino Odjick dies aged 52

As the Vancouver Canucks battled in Carolina to salvage a five-game road trip with their first win of 2023, news of a great loss for the organization started to spread.

Wayne “Gino” Odjick, one of the most popular players to ever wear a Canucks uniform, had died at the age of 52.

Our hearts are broken,” his sister Dina wrote on Facebook Sunday as she announced news of his passing. “My brother Gino Odjick has left us for the spirit world.”

The beloved enforcer had been battling health issues for nearly a decade after being diagnosed with Amyloidosis, a rare disease that affects the heart and other organs, in 2014.

At the time, doctors said Odjick may only have weeks to live, and he penned an open letter to Canucks fans thanking them for their support throughout his career.

"Your 'Gino, Gino' cheers were my favourite. I wish I could hear them again. You have been amazing," he wrote.

Born on the Algonquin reserve of Kitigan Zibi, just outside the town of Maniwaki, Que., Odjick played eight seasons in Vancouver after being drafted by the Canucks in 1990.

He became an instant fan-favourite and, somewhat unexpectedly, a close friend and linemate of superstar Pavel Bure.

Odjick still holds the Canucks record for most penalty minutes in franchise history with 2,127.

Rest in peace 💙 pic.twitter.com/Jg1UDO4pFe

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) January 16, 2023

“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,” said Canucks owner Francesco Acquilini on Sunday.

“He inspired many and embodied what it means to be a Canuck. Personally, he was a close friend and confidant, someone I could lean on for advice and support. He will be deeply missed.”

Odjick was an inspiration to many First Nation hockey players, including current Canuck Ethan Bear who had a big goal in Sunday’s win against his former team.

The 25-year-old said he did not learn of Odjick’s death until Canucks trainer Brian (Red) Hamilton told him shortly after the team came off the ice after Elias Pettersson’s shootout winner.

“I got a little teary-eyed after Red told me,” said Bear. “It was really emotional, definitely tough.”

And Bear was far from the only person feeling emotional on Sunday, as tributes poured in for Odjick from all over the hockey world.

From former teammates like Stan Smyl to current players to fans, Odjick's impact and popularity was plainly visible with the news of his passing on Sunday.