Hockey community mourns the loss of Original Six player who donned the Maple Leaf at age 81

The hockey community is mourning the passing of Andre Champagne.

The former Maple Leaf passed away tragically in a two-vehicle accident in South Tulsa on September 4th, 2025.

The forward began his hockey career in the juniors, experiencing success early, winning his first Memorial Cup with the Toronto St. Michael's club of the OHA in 1961.

Despite this, Champagne would be an undrafted left winger.

He'd make his NHL debut during the 1962-63 season. The first and only NHL club he would play for would be the Detroit Red Wings' rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He'd suit up for the Maple Leafs for 2 games during his short stint in the best hockey league in the world.

His debut was an iconic match against their heated rivals, the Boston Bruins, on February 23, 1963, in Maple Leaf Gardens.

He'd suit up again once more against the Chicago Blackhawks on February 27th.

For Champagne, this was a lifetime achievement.

After his 2-game stint in the NHL, he'd have to find work in the AHL, where he'd play for the team's minor league affiliates, the Rochester Americans. He'd arrive just in time to take part in the 1963 Calder Cup playoffs.

Soon after, Champagne would be returned to the junior hockey leagues and would continue to develop with the Toronto Marlboros and would secure his second Memorial Cup during his hockey career.

The left-winger would continue his career with the CPHL with the Tulsa Oilers and would soon return to the AHL for three more years with the Rochester Americans.

Champagne was born on September 19th, 1943, in Eastview, Ontario, and passed away at the age of 81 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

We here at Red Wings Insider send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Andre Champagne.