The NHL's Oldest Rookie Mad Dog From Slap Shot Passes Away Shocking The Hockey World

Madigan, who played 20 NHL games with the St. Louis Blues, was a legend in the old WHL for the Portland Buckaroos. Notably, he became the oldest rookie in NHL history, making his debut at 38 years old in January 1973.

Cherry expressed his condolences, emphasizing Madigan's lasting impact on the game and his immortalization in the iconic hockey film.

A tough and no-nonsense player, Madigan earned his 'Mad Dog' nickname through his physical style of play, accumulating fighting majors and ranking second all-time in minor league penalty minutes when he returned in 1976. Born in Port Arthur, Ontario, he played junior hockey in his hometown before turning pro in 1958, tallying 97 goals, 503 points, and 1,846 penalty minutes in 806 career WHL games.

Madigan also had a memorable appearance in the cult classic movie "Slap Shot," playing goon Ross 'Mad Dog' Madison. Fans of a certain era may recall him alongside iconic characters like Tim 'Dr. Hook' McCracken, Clarence 'Screaming Buffalo' Swampton, Andre 'Poodle' Lussier, Gilmour Tuttle, and the legendary Ogie Ogilthorpe.

Mad Dog may be gone, but his legacy lives on.