Ron Waske, trainer for dynasty Islanders, dead at 77
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Former Islanders trainer Ron Waske, who held the role during the team’s four consecutive Stanley Cup titles, has died, the team announced Sunday.

He was 77.

“The Islanders express their heartfelt sorrow over the loss of Ron Waske,” the team shared on X, accompanied by a photo of Waske proudly holding the Stanley Cup. “We extend our condolences and prayers to Ron’s family, friends, and everyone who cherished him.”


Ron Waske, the trainer for the Islanders' four Stanley Cup winning teams, has died at age 77.
Ron Waske, the trainer for the Islanders’ four Stanley Cup winning teams, has died at age 77. Getty Images

Hailing from Camden, N.Y., Waske dedicated a decade of his career to the Islanders, serving from 1974 to 1984. Additionally, he was the athletic trainer for Team Canada during the 1982 Canada Cup.

A graduate of St. Lawrence University, Waske returned to his alma mater after his time with the Islanders. He even took on the role of coaching the women’s team for two seasons from 1997 to 1999 before resuming his position as an athletic trainer. In total, he dedicated 26 years to the university and was honored with induction into the school’s athletic Hall of Fame in 2019.

“I know I won’t be getting Stanley Cup bonus money anymore,” Waske said in a 1984 New York Times story announcing he would be leaving the Islanders. “But it’s a less hectic life in college.

Waske played both hockey and baseball as a student at St. Lawrence, and became the only player in the school’s hockey history to play both forward and goaltender in the same game.


Islanders trainer Ron Waske stretches defenseman Gordie Lane's hamstring in 1983.
Islanders trainer Ron Waske stretches defenseman Gordie Lane’s hamstring in 1983. Getty Images

He was elected to the Professional Athletic Trainers Society Hall of Fame in 2006 and has a plaque in the Hockey Hall of Fame’s section for trainers as well.

The cause of death is unknown.

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