Bob Gassoff

Robert Allen Gassoff (April 17, 1953 – May 29, 1977) was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He played parts of four seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), all for the St. Louis Blues.

Career
Before playing in the NHL, Gassoff played parts of two seasons with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League (WHL).

Gassoff was drafted 48th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 1973 NHL Entry Draft. He would also be drafted by the 33rd overall by the Minnesota Fighting Saints in the 1973 WHA amateur draft.

On January 23, 1974, Gassoff made his NHL debut in a 4–1 defeat against the Pittsburgh Penguins. His first point would be an assist on a Pierre Plante goal in a 7–1 victory against the Atlanta Flames on February 19. Gassoff scored his first NHL goal in a 5–1 victory against the California Golden Seals on December 3, 1974.

 Personal life 
Gassoff's brother Brad also played in the National Hockey League (NHL). His son would also play hockey before retiring and becoming a Navy SEAL.

On May 29, 1977, Gassoff's career and life were cut short after he was killed in motorcycle accident. He was riding downhill without a helmet and crashed head-on with a car near the property of Blues teammate Garry Unger. Unger had questioned Gassoff if it was a good idea to drive since he had been drinking earlier in the day.

References

 Other websites 

Category:1953 births
Category:1977 deaths
Category:Canadian ice hockey defencemen
Category:Cariboo people
Category:Ice hockey people from British Columbia
Category:Medicine Hat Tigers players
Category:Road accident deaths in the United States
Category:St. Louis Blues players