Hockey photographer Denis Brodeur dies at 82

Denis Brodeur, the father of New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur and a former team photographer for the Montreal Canadiens and goalie for the 1956 Canadian Olympic team, died on Thursday. He was 82 years old.

Martin Brodeur left the Devils on Thursday to fly to Montreal and will miss the team's final preseason game against the Philadelphia Flyers. His son, Devils prospect Anthony Brodeur, tweeted, "Sad, sad day. Miss you so much already Grandpapa. Rest In Peace. Je T'aime."

“The entire New Jersey Devils organization is tremendously saddened by the loss of Denis Brodeur, Sr.” Devils president and general manager Lou Lamoriello said in a statement released by the team. “The Brodeurs have been part of the Devils’ family for over 23 years. Denis proudly dedicated his life, on and off the ice, to the game of hockey and for that he will be fondly remembered. Our thoughts and prayers, right now, are with Martin and his family. We ask that you respect the privacy of Martin and his family at this time.”

Denis Brodeur was the Canadiens' team photographer for the several decades and in 1996 he co-published a book titled "Goalies: Guardians of the Net." Martin Brodeur is featured on the cover. Ten years later, Denis' photography collection was acquired by the NHL.

"Denis Brodeur's images brought the action, the drama and the passion of the game sharply into focus for generations of fans around the world," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "Some of the greatest teams and greatest players in hockey history -- including his son, Martin -- are preserved forever by his grand body of work. Memorialized, as well, is Denis' deep love of what he did and the sport he covered."

In addition to his work as a photographer, Denis Brodeur won a bronze medal with Canada at the 1956 Olympics in Cortina D'Ampezza, Italy.

Denis Brodeur is survived by his wife, Mireille, his sons Denis Jr., Claude and Martin, and daughters Line and Sylvie.