Angelo Bumbacco passes away
Sault Ste. Marie and its wide ranging hockey family has lost an absolute legend of the game.
Hockey News North has confirmed that the iconic Angelo Bumbacco has passed away at the age of 88.
Born and raised in the Sault, Bumbacco was to undergo hip surgery on Tuesday but he died before going into the operating room, according to a family member.
Known as ‘Mr. Hockey’ in the Sault, Bumbacco had a link to the game as a an off ice executive dating back to when he was just a teenager. One of his early positions was general manager of the historic Algoma Contractors minor hockey team.
He was later the general manager of the Soo Greyhounds in both the Northern Ontario Hockey Association and the Ontario Hockey League and was part of the founding ownership of the junior franchise.
A member of the local Hockey Hall of Fame, Bumbacco also held positions beyond the junior game. He was the Sault based scout for a number of National Hockey League teams including the Minnesota North Stars, New York Rangers and the 2004 Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning.
Bumbacco was known for his close association and friendship to numerous legends of the game — including many with a link to the Sault and/or the Greyhounds — greats such as Phil Esposito, Tony Esposito, Lou Nanne, Chico Maki, Wayne Maki, Matt Ravlich, Gene Ubriaco, Craig Hartsburg and Wayne Gretzky.
Known for his kind heart, generosity and countless hockey stories as well as the significant role he played in the game, he was also a successful businessman as a working partner in the old Bumbacco Sports store in the Sault’s downtown.
I’m very sorry to hear this as Angelo was always there to give advice and friendship to me in the hockey world. He touched so many families and players throughout the years not only in hockey with his kind manner. I will miss my friend who always took the time to talk with me.
Mr. Bumbacco was a terrific hockey man and very passionate about the game. He will be missed by all that knew him in hockey! Our deepest sympathies to Angelo’s family.
A true ambassador for the game of hockey. May he Rest In Peace. My deepest condolences to his family
Angelo was an incredibly kind man, made it his business to know you and what he could provide to help, was the first person I met in the Soo when I reported for my first training camp as a kid….he made me feel comfortable and could go to him for anything. RIP Angelo
Ports
It was a shock to here of the passing of an original member of the group that founded the NOHA Tier 2 Junior A League in 1962 in Espanola. A long career in hockey and a man that I was glad to call a friend worked hard to bring Junior A hockey to the Sault. My wife and I offer our deepest sympathies to the Bumbacco family.
Enjoyed working with him for years. Watched many a Sault hockey game. Founder in Espanola too, His legacy lives on. My condolences to his family, friends and hockey family. Roz
We lost a meaningful member of the hockey community. RIP Angelo Bumbacco