NEW YORK, NY – CIRCA 1970’s: Goaltender Tony Esposito #35 of the Chicago Blackhawks in action against the New York Rangers during an NHL Hockey game circa 1970’s at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Esposito played for the Blackhawks from 1969-84. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

UNDATED (AP) —Tony Esposito, a Hall of Fame goaltender who played almost his entire 16-year career with the Chicago Blackhawks, has died following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 78.

Esposito debuted with Montreal during the 1968-69 season and appeared in 13 games. He was then taken by the Blackhawks in an intraleague draft, quickly emerging as one of the league’s best goalies. He won the Calder Trophy in 1970 as the NHL’s best rookie as well as the Vezina Trophy given to the top goaltender. He also won the Vezina in 1972 and 1974.