J.P. Parise dies at 73 after battle with lung cancer
J.P. Parise, 73, a longtime Minnesota North Stars standout and father of current Minnesota Wild star forward Zach Parise, died Wednesday of lung cancer.
Parise played in the Original Six era with the Boston Bruins, but made his name with the North Stars, where he played from 1967-68 to 1974-75 and in 1978-79.
Underrated but respected, he was chosen for Team Canada in the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union, playing on a line with Phil Esposito.
He returned from that tournament to record a career-best 75 points in 1972-73.
Parise was traded to the New York Islanders during the 1974-75 season and was part of the team that overcame a 3-0 series deficit against the Pittsburgh Penguins and nearly did the same against the Philadelphia Flyers.
He had two 20-goal seasons with the Islanders before being dealt to the Cleveland Barons during the 1977-78 season.
He ended back in Minnesota the following season when the Barons folded and merged with the North Stars. Parise was named captain and retired after the season. He had 594 points in 890 games.
Parise was named an assistant coach of the North Stars in 1980-81 and served in that role until 1987-88, except for 1983-84, when he coached the Central Hockey League's Salt Lake Golden Eagles. He also coached the United States Hockey League's Des Moines Buccaneers in 2008-09.
Parise also was hockey director and coach of Minnesota's Shattuck-St. Mary's high school, where sons Jordan and Zach played. Jordan, a goaltender, went on to play at the University of North Dakota, the American Hockey League and in Europe.
Zach Parise signed a 13-year, $98 million contract with the Wild in 2012 to be close to his family.
He found out about his father's cancer last year after returning from the Sochi Olympics, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
He missed Tuesday's game to be by his father's side.
Statement from the Parise family
After a brave battle with lung cancer, J.P. Parise passed away peacefully at home Wednesday night with his family by his side. We appreciate the outpouring of support we have received from family, friends and the entire hockey community during this difficult time. J.P. was a great husband, father and grandpa and will be greatly missed by all of us.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.
Statement from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman
"The National Hockey League family mourns the passing and cherishes the memory of J.P. Parise. Especially in his adopted home state of Minnesota, J.P. was a consummate player, teacher and administrator in the game. The Parise name has been prominent in Minnesota hockey since the 1960s, and J.P.'s commitment and passion for the NHL lives on through his son, Zach. The NHL sends heartfelt condolences to J.P.'s family, to his friends, to the Minnesota Wild organization and to all the organizations J.P. represented with such passion."