Rod Gilbert, also known as Mr. Ranger, was a Canadian ice hockey player. He is best known for playing for the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Gilbert was the first player in New York Rangers history to have his number retired. He died on August 22, 2021 at the age of 80. Rob Gilbert's net worth to date is estimated to be approximately $1.5 million.
| Full Name | Rodrigue Gabriel Gilbert |
| Birth Date | July 1, 1941 |
| Birth Place | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Profession | Ice Hockey Player |
| Wife | Judith Christy |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million |
Early life
Rod Gilbert was born on July 1, 1941 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Nothing is known about his parents or his past life. However, he seems to have been interested in hockey since childhood. He grew up a fan of the Montreal Canadiens professional hockey team.
In 1960, he played junior hockey for the Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters hockey team of the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA). However, at that time, he had a serious accident, which resulted in fractured vertebrae in his back. The accident also temporarily paralyzed him. After the operation, he had a hemorrhage in his leg. Later, Gilbert successfully recovered from his injury and returned to play.
Rod Gilbert Net Worth and Career
Gilbert began playing in the 1960,061 NHL season after retiring from his youth career with the Guelph Royals hockey team. That season he played for the New York Rangers. He soon became popular with Rangers fans and was recognized as an NHL star. In 1965 he underwent surgery after a second spinal fusion operation.
Gilbert has been out of action for half the season. He came back in 196667 with 28 goals. In 1976 he received the Bill Masterton Trophy for endurance with back problems. Gilbert and New York Rangers General Manager John Ferguson had a contract dispute during the 19778 NHL season.
On October 14, 1979, his number 7 was retired by the New York Rangers. He became the first number to be eliminated from the team. Retired, he opened his own restaurant, Gilbert’s, on Third Avenue in Manhattan. Gilbert bought the first restaurant from him in 1969.
Personal life of Rod Gilbert
Rod Gilbert was married to a woman named Judith Christie. His wedding ceremony was held by New York Mayor David Dinkins in 1991. He has four children named Chantal, Holly, Justin and Brooke with his wife Judith. He also has seven grandchildren.
The National Hockey League confirmed Gilbert’s death in a press release dated August 22, 2021. However, the true cause of death has not yet been revealed. Gilbert was one of ten athletes featured in Andy Warhol’s 1979 Athletes series of paintings, along with prominent athletes of the 1970s such as Chris Evert, OJ Simpson, and Pele.
Rod Gilbert’s Luck
Rod Gilbert’s net worth was approximately $1.5 million until his death on August 22, 2021. He arguably earned the most of his professional hockey career. Furthermore, his restaurant business helped him raise such a sum.