Assembly Resolution No. 634

BY: M. of A. Stern

CELEBRATING the life and legacy of Clark Gillies,
New York Islanders legend and Hockey Hall of Famer

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals who distinguish themselves through their
exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest
level of personal achievement; and

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow that this Legislative Body
recognizes the passing of Clark Gillies, noting the significance of his
purposeful life and accomplishments both on and off the ice; and

WHEREAS, Clark Gillies of Huntington, New York, passed away on
Friday, January 21, 2022, at the age of 67 from cancer; and

WHEREAS, Before the first puck was dropped at the New York Islanders
game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the UBS Arena on Saturday,
January 22, 2022, a moment of silence was held to pay tribute to No. 9;
and

WHEREAS, A native of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada, Clark Gillies
played three years of minor league baseball in the Astros' system prior
to being selected by the New York Islanders in the first round (4th
overall) of the 1974 NHL Entry Draft; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his incredible career with the Islanders from
1974-1986, Clark Gillies played in 872 games (fifth all-time in
franchise history), scoring 304 goals (fourth all-time in franchise
history) and 359 assists (fifth all-time in franchise history) for 663
points (fourth all-time in franchise history); he defined the position
"power forward"; and

WHEREAS, Clark Gillies also played in 159 playoff games for the
Islanders, scoring 47 goals and 46 assists for 93 points; he was one of
17 Islanders players that won four straight Stanley Cup Championships
from 1980-1983, and was a member of the group which set the NHL record
of 19 straight playoff series wins; and

WHEREAS, In 1978, Clark Gillies represented the Islanders at the
1978 NHL All-Star Game and was named to the NHL First All-Star Team in
both 1978 and 1979; and

WHEREAS, From 1986-1988, Clark Gillies played for the Buffalo Sabres
before retiring after a superlative career spanning 14 years; and

WHEREAS, In honor of his many accomplishments and contributions to
the sport of hockey and his beloved Islanders, Clark Gillies was
inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame; his number 9 was retired by the
Islanders on December 7, 1996, and his banner now hangs in the rafters
of UBS Arena; and

WHEREAS, Clark Gillies was a gentle giant; on the ice, he was a
tremendous presence who protected his teammates; off the ice, he was

also a star in his Long Island community; he established The Clark
Gillies Foundation, a non-profit corporation developed to support
children who are physically, developmentally and/or financially
challenged; he and his staff always worked to improve the quality of
life for these vulnerable young people, with 100% of the proceeds going
directly to those in need; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of his many benevolent deeds, The Huntington
Hospital Pediatric Unit was named after Clark Gillies and his
Foundation, which raised one million dollars to help fund the
construction of the unit; The Clark Gillies Foundation also created
Brianna's Cub room within the Clark Gillies Pediatric Unit and The Clark
Gillies Pediatric Emergency Room which is staffed and equipped
specifically for children; and

WHEREAS, Clark Gillies was also a long-time Board member and Honoree
of the Townwide Fund of Huntington and raised funds for countless
charities across Long Island; and

WHEREAS, Clark Gillies will be missed by people all across "Islander
Nation" and the State of New York for not only his athletic prowess and
dedication to his community, but also for his passion and zeal for life,
kind heart, engaging humor, warm smile, and his uncanny ability to
regale his audiences with his captivating storytelling; and

WHEREAS, Clark Gillies was ever present at Islanders games and was a
mentor to many young players on the team; and

WHEREAS, A gifted athlete, Clark Gillies was a renowned role model
in the sport of professional hockey; his character and achievements
stand as a sterling example and inspiration to all who aspire to
success; and

WHEREAS, Clark Gillies is survived by his beloved wife Pam, who is
also a native of Moose Jaw, and his three daughters; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Clark Gillies leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
befriended; he will be deeply missed; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Clark Gillies, and to offer its sincerest condolences
to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Clark Gillies and the New York Islanders.