Former Stanley Cup Champion & Original Six Player Passes Away at 76-Years-Old

2025 has been tough year for the hockey community as we've sadly lost several former National Hockey League players, Stanley Cup champions and even some players who made a big impact overseas in Europe.

Less than a week after the passing of former NHLer Bruce Cline at the age of 93, the hockey world is mourning the loss of another ex-NHLer and a Stanley Cup champion.

On Wednesday evening just before they were set to take the ice for Game 5 against the Winnipeg Jets, the St. Louis Blues took to social media to announce the passing of Phil Roberto, who spent parts of four seasons with them between 1971-72 and 1974-75.

Roberto's National Hockey League career began during the 1969-70 season when he appeared in eight games with the Montreal Canadiens, but spent the majority of the year with their AHL affiliate.

The following season, Roberto played a bigger role for the Canadiens at the NHL level and even helped them win the Stanley Cup in 1971, which happened to be the final season of Jean Beliveau's legendary career.

In December 1971, the Canadiens traded Roberto to the St. Louis Blues where, as mentioned, he would go on to spend parts of the next four seasons in the NHL.

Roberto's final three seasons in the NHL saw him play for the Detroit Red Wings, Kansas City Scouts, Colorado Rockies and Cleveland Barons before being released by the latter in February 1977.

After his time in the NHL, Roberto would finish up his professional hockey career in 1977-78 in the WHA with the Birmingham Bulls, who's roster featured several notable names including Frank Mahovlich, Rod Langway, Mark Napier, Paul Henderson and Ken Linseman.

The thoughts of everyone here at Canucks Daily is with the family, friends and teammates of Phil Roberto at this difficult time.