Tony Esposito retired from the NHL in 1984, but he's still padding his resume with accolades.
The Blackhawks legend was one of six former goaltenders to be honored by the Canada Post on Thursday with postage stamps.
The other five include Montreal's Lorne "Gump" Worsley and Ken Dryden, Toronto's Johnny Bower, Philadelphia's Bernie Parent and New Jersey's Martin Brodeur.
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“These six goalies will forever remain relevant and real in a country that embraces its stars,” said Canada Post President and CEO Deepak Chopra. “They wore their hearts on their sleeves while they played, and captured ours in the process. Their on-ice brilliance left an indelible impression on a nation. They are an important part of our country’s rich history, and we are proud to immortalize these players on our stamps.”
Esposito also joins his older brother Phil, who received a stamp in 2002. Tony couldn't wait to get back home to tell him about it, but not for the reason you think.
The brotherly love bragging rights continued after Tony's Blackhawks beat Phil's Lightning - he serves as Tampa Bay's radio commentator - dating back to last year's Stanley Cup Final.
NHL
"I’ll show him when I get home,” Esposito joked, via Yahoo Sports. “Now I’m going to go back with the stamp and I’m going to Chicago from here and on Monday I get my new Stanley Cup ring, and then I’m gonna go home (to Florida). My brother works for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and I’m gonna show him (and say) we won this ring – what did you win in the Stanley Cup Final?"
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Tony Esposito spent 15 seasons with the Blackhawks, where he won the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year and later captured three Vezina Trophy's as the league's best goaltender in 1970, 1972 and 1974.
The Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. native currently ranks No. 1 in franchise history with 418 wins.
Esposito was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988.