Born 23 April 1943 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.[1]
Played college hockey at Michigan Tech.
Joined the Vancouver Canucks in the Western Hockey League (1967-1968).
Played with the Houston Apollos in the Central Hockey League (1968-1969),
Joined the National Hockey League (NHL).
Was a NHL goalie with the Montreal Canadiens (1968-1969),
Joined the Chicago Black Hawks (1969-1984).
Was the first goalie to wear the jersey number 35.
Had a superstition about his hockey sticks, and he had to line them up in a certain way. Crossed sticks upset him.
Popularized the butterfly style of goaltending.
Had the nickname "Tony O" due to his shutout talent.
During his 16-season NHL career, he had 76 shutouts and led the league with 15 (1969-1970), 9 (1971-1972), and 6 (1979-1980).
His brother, Phil Esposito, was a center for 18 seasons in the NHL, from 1963-1981.
When Tony once played against Phil, Phil scored two goals for the Boston Bruins, and the game ended in a 2-2 tie.
Won the Stanley Cup in 1969, by defeating the St. Louis Blues, 4-0.
Won the Calder Memorial Trophy (1970) and Vezina Trophy (1970; 1972, with Gary Smith; 1974, tied with Bernie Parent).
Was one of just eight goalies to win the Vezina catching the puck right-handed. Others who did the same included Charlie Gardiner, Bill Durnan, Gilles Villemure, and Grant Fuhr.
Led the NHL in wins, with 38 (1969-1970) and 35 (1970-1971).
Played in 886 regular-season games and had 423 wins, 306 losses, and 151 ties.
Played hockey for Canada in the 1972 Summit Series, sharing duties with Ken Dryden.
Played hockey for Canada in the 1977 World Ice Hockey Championships.
Became a U.S. citizen.
Played for the United States in the 1981 Canada Cup.
