Popular 1980s Vancouver Canucks goalie Frank Caprice has passed away
Sad news, as former Vancouver Canucks goalie Frank Caprice has died.
The Hamilton, Ontario native, who played parts of six seasons with the Canucks in the 1980s, was just 63 years old.
“Those who were fortunate to know Frank will tell you how kindhearted and thoughtful he was. We send our deepest condolences to Frank’s family, friends, and former teammates during this incredibly difficult time,” wrote the NHL Alumni Association in a statement.
The NHL Alumni Association is heartbroken to learn Frank Caprice has passed away at the age of 63.
A ninth-round selection of the Vancouver Canucks in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft, Frank made his NHL debut for Vancouver on February 24th, 1983, while spending the majority of the… pic.twitter.com/0gHSbwW4ap
— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) May 8, 2025
“Sadly, the Vancouver Canucks Alumni family lost one of its more popular goalies this past Wednesday,” the Vancouver Canucks Alumni Association said in a statement.
“Canucks Alumni family extend their most heartfelt condolences to Frank’s family – our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Caprice appeared in 102 NHL games during his 17-year pro hockey career, all with the Canucks. The five-foot-nine goalie was initially drafted by Vancouver in the ninth round of the 1981 NHL Draft.
Caprice backed up for goalies like Richard Brodeur and Kirk McLean at different points in his career, which included 31 wins.
Caprice played for Canada, representing his country and winning a gold medal at the 1982 World Junior Hockey Championship. It was Canada’s first-ever gold medal at the event.
After wrapping up the 1989-90 season with the Milwaukee Admirals of the IHL, Caprice went to Europe and played for Val Gardena HC in Italy for three seasons. He also played in Wales and returned to North America for a season before retiring and finishing his professional hockey career.
Caprice returned to Vancouver to play hockey in the early 1990s but it wasn’t with the Canucks. He briefly played roller hockey for the Vancouver VooDoo.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Canucks goaltender Frank Caprice,” the Canucks said in a statement. “He was a beloved teammate, a valued member of our organization and he will be greatly missed.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Frank’s friends and family.
“Forever a Canuck.”