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Hall of Famer Bert Olmstead dies at 89

By The Sports Xchange

Hall of Fame left winger Bert Olmstead has died due to complications from a stroke. He was 89.

Olmstead, a native of Sceptre, Saskatchewan, passed away Monday.

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"The National Hockey League family mourns the passing of Bert Olmstead -- a fierce competitor and a five-time champion who played in the Stanley Cup Final 11 times in his 14-season career with Chicago, Montreal and Toronto," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "Bert's passion for the game earned unwavering respect from his teammates; his knowledge of the game once earned him a role as a playing assistant coach; and his skill led to what then was an NHL single-season record for assists: 56 in 1955-56. We send heartfelt condolences and comfort to Bert's family and friends."

Olmstead played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs. He also was briefly a member of the Detroit Red Wings but never suited up.

Olmstead broke into the league with the Blackhawks in 1949-50 with a 20-goal, 49-point rookie season.

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Olmstead helped the Canadiens win four Stanley Cups, including a three straight from 1956 to 1958. He was picked up by the Maple Leafs in 1958 and won another Stanley Cup during the 1961-62 season, his last in the NHL.

Olmstead retired with 181 goals and 421 assists for 602 points in 848 games. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985.

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