Former Canucks goalie Frank Caprice dead at 63
Frank Caprice, a former Vancouver Canucks goalie in the 1980s who stood in the crease for more than 100 NHL games, died Thursday, according to the NHL Alumni Association.
The NHL Alumni Association is heartbroken to learn Frank Caprice has passed away at the age of 63.
A ninth-round selection of the Vancouver Canucks in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft, Frank made his NHL debut for Vancouver on February 24th, 1983, while spending the majority of the… pic.twitter.com/0gHSbwW4ap
— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) May 8, 2025
“Those who were fortunate to know Frank will tell you how kindhearted and thoughtful he was,” the Alumni Association wrote. “We send our deepest condolences to Frank’s family, friends, and former teammates during this incredibly difficult time.”
Caprice, born April 2, 1962 in Hamilton, Ont., spent three seasons with the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights between 1979-80 and 1981-82, where he compiled a 38-49-5 record and one shutout. In his final season, he helped lead the team to the playoffs.
He also represented Canada at the 1982 World Junior Championships, helping them win a gold medal.
Sad to hear of passing of former #Canucks goalie Frank Caprice at age 63
Caprice was Vancouver’s 9th Rd pick in 1981 Draft & would play 102 games with @Canucks from 1983-88
Prior to making the #NHL Caprice helped 🇨🇦 win their 1st ever 🥇 at the World Jr’s in 1982@Sportsnet650 pic.twitter.com/xVLiOUm13x
— Joey Kenward (@kenwardskorner) May 8, 2025
Caprice was taken in the ninth round of the 1981 NHL Entry Draft by the Canucks, and between 1982-83 and 1987-88, split his time between the Canucks and their AHL affiliate, the Fredericton Express.
In six NHL seasons, Caprice recorded a 36-46-11 record, an .859 save percentage (SV%) and 4.20 goals against average (GAA). His best professional season in North America came in 1988-89 with the IHL’s Milwaukee Admirals, where he posted a 24-12-0 record with an .875 SV% and 3.89 GAA.
He went on to play six seasons in Europe, split between the Italy and the United Kingdom. His final season was in Scotland with the Ayr Scottish Eagles.