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Denis Brodeur, famed hockey photographer and of course father to New Jersey Devils legendary goaltender Martin Brodeur, died on Thursday. He was 82.
The elder Brodeur is widely recognized as one of the best photographers the NHL has ever known. A couple examples of his work can be seen in this NHL.com gallery from a few years back.
While Denis is most known for being a photog as well as the father of arguably the greatest, certainly the most accomplished goalteder to ever play the game, he wasn't too bad himself as a player. He earned a bronze medal with Canada at the 1956 Olympic Games in Cortina D'Ampezzo, Italy.
Martin Broudeur was originally slated to play Thursday night's preseason Devils game against the Flyers but that changed when Brodeur decided to fly to Montreal to see his father. Denis had been in the hospital.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement on the passing of Denis.
"Denis Brodeur's images brought the action, the drama and the passion of the game sharply into focus for generations of fans around the world. Some of the greatest teams and greatest players in hockey history -- including his son, Martin -- are preserved forever by his grand body of work. Memorialized, as well, is Denis' deep love of what he did and the sport he covered. The National Hockey League sends heartfelt condolences to Denis' family and friends."
Martin had been scheduled to start the Devils' season opener next Thursday.
