Dave Balon, 68; helped Canadiens win Stanley Cups in 1965 and ’66

Dave Balon, 68, who helped win two Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1960s during a 14-year NHL career, died Tuesday in Prince Albert, Canada, of complications from multiple sclerosis, the disease that forced him out of hockey more than 30 years ago.

He also played for the New York Rangers, Minnesota North Stars and Vancouver Canucks.

In addition he played for the Quebec Nordiques when they were part of the World Hockey Assn.

The left wing had career totals of 192 goals and 222 assists, with 607 penalty minutes, and played in four NHL All-Star games.

Balon began his NHL career with the Rangers in 1959 but was traded to Montreal in a highly publicized deal that brought goaltending great Jacques Plante to New York in 1963.

He went on to win the Stanley Cup with Montreal in 1965 and ’66.

He assisted Henri Richard’s Cup-winning goal in overtime against the Detroit Red Wings on May 5, 1966.

Born in Wakaw in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, Balon was affected by MS toward the end of his playing career in the early 1970s.

The disease eventually led to his retirement in 1974.

He owned and operated a paddlewheel tour boat at Waskesiu Lake in Prince Albert National Park in Saskatchewan for several years after leaving hockey.