He Wore it Best - Pierre Pilote 3
In 2020 an NHL.com panel declared Blackhawks legend, Pierre Pilote, the greatest player to wear #3. He received 10 of 19 first place votes.
Born December 11, 1931, in Kenogami, Quebec, Pilote did not play organized hockey until he was 17 years old. Recruited by Blackhawks coach, Rudy Pilous in 1950 to play for the St. Catherine's Teepees in the Ontario Hockey League, he would make the team out of training camp and not look back. In 1955 Pilote was signed by the Blackhawks after four seasons with the Buffalo Bisons of the American Hickey League.
Pilote would play the first 13 of his 14 years in the NHL with the Blackhawks. A born leader who was not a shy player, racking up 1257 penalty minutes in 890 NHL games. A defensive defenseman, Pilote would stymie opposing players while keeping the front of the net clear for his goalie. His play was noticed as he won the Norris Trophy (top defenseman) three years in a row (1963, '64, and '65) and runner-up in 1962, 1966, and 1967. His three Norris' in a row would only be matched or beaten by Doug Harvey, Bobby, and Nicklas Lindstrom (not bad company to be in).
In 1961 Pilote played a pivotal part in the Blackhawks winning their third Stanley Cup by defeating the Detroit Red Wings in the finals. Pilote would lead the Blackhawks in scoring during the playoffs, tying the legendary Red Wing Gordie Howe with 15 points.
Pilote was named team captain in 1962. His seven years as captain would be the longest tenure in franchise history until Jonathan Towes was named captain in 2008 and still serves today (13 years).
On May 23, 1968, Pilote was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs for forward Jim Pappin. He would play his last game on April 6, 1969. He would have an iron man streak of 376 consecutive games across five seasons before a dislocated shoulder in 1961. Pilote finished his career with admirable numbers, scoring 87 goals, and 466 assists for 553 points in 890 games.
Pilote was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975. On November 12, 2008, the #3 jersey worn by Pierre Pilote and Keith Magnuson was retired and raised into the rafters at the United Center. Pilote participated in the Blackhawks Stanley Cup parade, saying it felt like he won the cup all over again.
Pierre Pilote passed away September 9, 2017, at the age of 85 in Barrie, Ontario.
| POLL | ||
Have you ever seen Pilote play? | ||
| Yes on television | 50 | 41 % |
| No sadly not | 72 | 59 % |
| List of polls | ||
