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HERSHEY - The Hershey Bears are saddened to learn of the passing of former center Jeannot "Gil" Gilbert at the age of 85.
A native of La Baie, Quebec, Gilbert joined the Bears during the 1965-66 campaign after beginning his American Hockey League career with the Providence Reds, and went on to skate in 552 games for the Chocolate and White over the next eight seasons with the club to rank sixth in franchise history. He ranks fourth in scoring in franchise history with 595 points, while his 206 goals rank sixth, and his 389 assists rank fourth.
During the 1968-69 season, Gilbert led the entire American Hockey League in scoring with 100 points (35g, 65a) to capture the John B. Sollenberger Trophy while being named to the AHL First All-Star Team, and later that spring helped the Bears capture the 1969 Calder Cup championship.
Gilbert holds the club record for most 70+ point seasons with six (1965-66, '66-67, '67-68, '68-69, '71-72, '72-73) and is tied for the club record for most 20+ goal seasons with seven (1965-66, '66-67, '67-68, '68-69, '71-72, '72-73). Gilbert was inducted into the Hershey Bears Hockey Club Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2014.
Gilbert played nine games in the National Hockey League with the Boston Bruins, generating one assist. He also later joined the Quebec Nordiques of the World Hockey Association, producing 84 points (24g, 60a) in 133 games.
Gilbert will be honored during an upcoming Hershey Bears home game.