1
He assisted on Bob Nystrom's overtime goal to win the 1980 Stanley Cup, securing the first of four consecutive championships for his team.
15 Interesting Facts About John Tonelli
A four-time Stanley Cup champion with the New York Islanders and the 1984 Canada Cup MVP, John Tonelli was one of the most clutch and hard-working forwards of his era.
Position
Left wing, Forward
Jersey
#27
Status
Retired
Teams
6
Facts
15
2
He won four consecutive Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders from 1980 to 1983.
3
He was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1984 Canada Cup tournament while representing his home country.
4
He had his jersey number 27 retired by the New York Islanders in 2020.
5
He is the only player in hockey history to score a regular-season goal assisted by both Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky.
6
He made his professional debut at the age of 18 with the Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association in 1975.
7
He scored a career-high five goals in a single game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 6, 1981.
8
He was affectionately nicknamed "The Greasy Jet" by his teammates due to his gritty style of play.
9
He was selected 33rd overall in the 1977 NHL Amateur Draft after the scouting director personally visited him in Houston and took him out to dinner.
10
He was the first player under contract in New York Islanders history to hold out, missing 22 days of training camp in 1985.
11
His contract dispute with the Toronto Marlies at age 18 led to a landmark court ruling in Ontario regarding the enforceability of contracts signed by minors.
12
He broke Clark Gillies' club record for points by a left wing when he recorded 93 points during the 1981-82 NHL season.
13
He pitched a perfect game as a 15-year-old bantam baseball player in 1972 before focusing fully on hockey.
14
He suffered from devastating migraine headaches once or twice a year starting at age 10, which doctors attributed to his intensity and nervousness.
15
He worked in a bronze-plaque making factory as a youth, washing finished plaques.
About John Tonelli
John Tonelli was a gritty, clutch left winger who played a pivotal role in the New York Islanders' dynasty of four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983. Known for his tireless work ethic and ability to dig pucks out of corners, he also won the MVP award at the 1984 Canada Cup. Over his 1,028-game NHL career, he amassed 836 points and was celebrated as one of the game's ultimate team players.
Career Achievements & Milestones
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Stanley Cup Champion
1980
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Stanley Cup Champion
1981
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Stanley Cup Champion
1982
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Stanley Cup Champion
1983
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Canada Cup MVP
1984
Player Information & Stats
Detailed career statistics and background information about John Tonelli.
Player Info
Country: Canada
Position: Left wing, Forward
Jersey #: 27
Status: Retired
Age: 69 years old
Physical Stats
Height: 6' 1" (185 cm)
Weight: 200 lbs (91 kg)
Born: Hamilton, Ontario
Career Stats
Seasons: 17
Goals: 325
Assists: 511
Points: 836
Teams: 6
Drafted: 1977
Round: 2nd
Teams & Career
Houston Aeros New York Islanders Calgary Flames Los Angeles Kings Chicago Blackhawks Quebec Nordiques
John Tonelli played for 6 different teams during his 17 seasons career. He was originally drafted 2nd overall by the New York Islanders in 1977.