Former NHLer died Friday after a brief illness

Heather Wright/The Independent

There is an outpouring of affection with the news Petrolia hockey great Bob Gould has died.

Gould, 69, died Oct. 9 after a brief illness.

Born in Petrolia, Gould’s passion for hockey took him all the way to the NHL where he played eleven seasons between 1980 and 1990 with the Atlanta Flames, Calgary Flames, Washington Capitals, and Boston Bruins.

Most of that time was in Washington. The Capitals announced his passing on social media Saturday saying they were “deeply saddened” by his death.

“His love of sports was obvious from an early age;” the Gould family writes in his obituary. “There was not a sport he didn’t enjoy. From playing hockey in the NHL for over 10 years to fastball and golf with friends and family, he enjoyed every minute.”

Bernie Baillargeon shared online; “I remember Bob at his best in high school during his Physical Ed. classes. He was a strong but gentle giant who did things efficiently but quietly,” Baillargeon wrote.

Gould captained the Petrolia Jr. B Jets in the 70’s “entertaining some of the largest crowds in the 70’s with his great play,” Baillargeon wrote. “He put maximum effort into everything he ever accomplished and for this he leaves an everlasting legacy on the town of Petrolia…a great life cut too short.”

Gould played with the best of the best in the NHL.

The Capitals said Saturday he was “a consistent scoring threat” with four 20-goal seasons and a 50 point season in the 1986-1987 season. After his time with the Caps, he was traded to the Boston Bruins where he helped his team reach the Stanley Cup final in 1990.

For many fans, Gould will be remembered for the game he knocked out Mario Lemieux.

It was March 20, 1987. After the play stopped, Lemieux and Gould were seen pushing each other along the boards. Lemieux dropped his gloves and Gould responded, throwing a number of punches, knocking Lemieux out and breaking his jaw.

The Caps won that game 4-2. Gould had two goals that night, including the game winner.

Over the course of 11 seasons, Gould scored 145 goals and had 159 assists and 572 penalty minutes. He was also in the running twice for the Frank J. Selke Trophy for top defensive forward.

The family in Gould’s obituary said, “He made lifelong friends everywhere he went. Bob shared his knowledge of hockey over the years as a dedicated coach with many different teams.”

For a generation of Lambton County students, Gould was a teacher and mentor.

Gould moved back to Lambton County after his time in the NHL and started farming near Oil Springs with his wife, Janice, and their family, Todd, Blair and Dayna. He was also a teacher at Riverview Central School and LCCVI until his retirement.

LCCVI officials said in a social media post “Bob was a cherished mentor, teacher, and coach whose dedication and passion left a lasting impact on generations of both students and athletes.

“Even in retirement, his love for the game never faded. He remained a familiar face at the rink, generously volunteering his time, sharing his knowledge, and helping young athletes grow both on and off the ice,” officials said.

“Bob’s kindness, unwavering commitment, and genuine care for others will leave a lasting legacy. His presence will be deeply missed, but his influence will continue to be felt throughout the Lancer community and beyond.”

“Bob was a humble, nice guy,” wrote Bob Shaw online. “I worked with Bob at LCCVI and golfed together on many excursions to Michigan with the boys. I’m so sorry to read this news. The world lost a good one.”

Gould also coached young players in the community. “I’ve known him since he was a little kid,” wrote John Thompson online. “He worked his butt off and lived his dream. He was the best coach my son ever had.”

Among the teams Gould coached was the 2013 Petrolia Midget Rep Team. He was on the bench with Mark Hunter, the owner and GM of the London Knights whose son was on the team. At the time, parents said kids who had contemplated leaving the sport came back for the year just to be coached by Gould and Hunter.

While loved in the community, Gould’s greatest joy was his family, particularly his granddaughters, according to his obituary.

“His granddaughters could convince him to do just about anything, from an extra treat, to building sandcastles, to endless games of I Spy and Hide-and-Go-Seek.

There will be a private family funeral for Gould and a celebration of life for friends in the community Thursday, Oct. 15 from 4 to 8 pm at the Wyoming Fairgrounds.

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Bob always left a lasting impression and will be missed by all who knew him. His love of sports was obvious from an early age; there was not a sport he didn’t enjoy. From playing hockey in the NHL for over 10 years to fastball and golf with friends and family, he enjoyed every minute. His passion for hockey took him to the University of New Hampshire, Calgary, Washington, and Boston. He made lifelong friends everywhere he went. Bob shared his knowledge of hockey over the years as a dedicated coach with many different teams. After retiring from professional hockey, Bob, Janice and the kids moved back to Lambton County to a farm outside of Oil Springs. He entered into teaching and taught for 24 years at Riverview Central School then LCCVI. Bob loved being in the stands, on the sidelines, rinkside, or in the audience watching whatever activity his granddaughters chose to do. His granddaughters could convince him to do just about anything, from an extra treat, to building sandcastles, to endless games of I Spy and Hide-and-Go-Seek. We will miss him deeply, but will cherish all the happy memories we have made over the years.