Original Canucks goalie Dunc Wilson has passed away

An original member of the Vancouver Canucks’ NHL franchise has died. Dunc Wilson has passed away at age 75.

Sportsnet 650’s Joey Kenward reported the news over the weekend, with the Canucks and NHL alumni associations later confirming it.

Wilson was one of three goaltenders to suit up for Vancouver during the team’s inaugural NHL season in 1970-71. He went on to record the franchise’s first shutout during their second season in 1971-72.

“In his retirement, Dunc loved to travel the world and spend time with his family,” the NHL Alumni Association said. Wilson had been living in Utila, Honduras, for many years, the Vancouver Canucks Alumni added.

Dunc Wilson, who registered Vancouver’s first-ever shutout in Canucks’ NHL history, has passed away at the age of 75 in Utila, Honduras where he had been living for many years. 
Condolences to the family and friends of Dunc 💙#CanucksAlumni pic.twitter.com/cZnMw1F2wu

— Vancouver Canucks Alumni (@canucksalumni) October 21, 2023

Wilson joined the Canucks from the Philadelphia Flyers as an expansion draft selection in 1970. The Toronto native played three seasons as Vancouver’s starting goalie before joining his hometown Maple Leafs in 1973. He went on to play for the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins before rejoining Vancouver in his final NHL season in 1978-79.

Wilson ranks ninth all-time in Canucks history in games played (148) by a goaltender, two games behind Ryan Miller.

The NHL Alumni Association is saddened to learn that Dunc Wilson has passed away at the age of 75.

Dunc was made his @NHL debut in the 1969-70 season with the @NHLFlyers. The following season, he would join the @Canucks for the franchise’s first three seasons in the league,… pic.twitter.com/nUv2kDH9LZ

— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) October 23, 2023

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