Eddie Joyal, a former centre who helped shape the modern era of professional hockey, died at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy that spanned six decades of the sport.
Early Years in Detroit
Joyal broke into the National Hockey League with the Detroit Red Wings during the 1962‑63 season, immediately drawing the attention of veteran star Gordie Howe, who took the young forward under his wing and helped him register ten points in his first fourteen games.
The following year he contributed a crucial goal in the 1963 Stanley Cup Final, assisting on a play that saw Howe set up the score, and later supplied the insurance marker in a 2‑0 shutout by Terry Sawchuk against Montreal on January 18, 1964, a performance that moved Sawchuk past George Hainsworth on the all‑time clean‑sheet list.
Joyal’s impact continued as he netted the game‑winning goal against Hall‑of‑Famer Johnny Bower in Game 5 of the 1964 Stanley Cup Final, giving Detroit a 3‑2 series lead, and his early brilliance earned him a place on the league’s emerging talent radar.
A New Chapter in Los Angeles
After being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the spring of 1965, Joyal’s rights were soon claimed by the newly formed Los Angeles Kings in the 1967 expansion draft, where the franchise’s owner Jack Kent Cooke bestowed upon him the moniker “The Jet” as part of a marketing push that still resonates with fans today.
During his first four seasons in Southern California he tallied 33, 23, 18 and 20 goals respectively, compiling 105 goals and 204 points in 319 games and helping to establish the Kings as a competitive force in the league.
Beyond the scoresheet, Joyal’s presence turned the Kings into a fan favourite team, and his nickname became synonymous with speed and excitement on the ice.
Later Years and Enduring Influence
Joyal later pursued a stint in the World Hockey Association with the Edmonton Oilers, where he continued to mentor younger talent before retiring from professional play.
His career, marked by mentorship, clutch performances and a knack for delivering in high‑stakes moments, remains a reference point for centres who blend skill with leadership, and his story is still recounted by historians and fans who cherish the sport’s rich tapestry.