Tribute to SI Photographer Lou Capozzola

SI Staff | Aug 19, 2011

Tribute to SI Photographer Lou Capozzola /

Tribute to SI Photographer Lou Capozzola

Sports Illustrated photographer Lou Capozzola, seen here with Kevin Durant, passed away at age 61 on Aug. 18. Lou began his career at SI in 1980 and shot countless hockey games, among other sports, for the brand. Here's a sample of some of his most memorable photographs.

His last assignment for SI, Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals, produced this cover photo of Tim Thomas for the Bruins commemorative.

Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (right) showers forward Mark Recchi with champagne in the locker room after the Boston defeated the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals.

Yankees catcher Russell Martin falls into the Twins dugout while attempting to catch a foul ball as Minnesota pitching coach Rick Anderson reaches to help.

Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora sacks Panthers quarterback Matt Moore, forcing a fumble.

Penguins forward Sidney Crosby celebrates his goal against the Capitals.

shaquille-o-neal-j.j.-hickson-opox-17689.jpg — Lou Capozzola/SI

Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal makes a no look pass to teammate J.J. Hickson around Nets forward Yi Jianlian.

Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin celebrates his hat trick goal with teammates during Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Penguins. Quote from Capozzola: "If you asked me to describe Alex Ovechkin's style of play in three words or less they would be: dynamic, explosive and enthusiastic. Add the intensity of a playoff game and a hat trick to boot, those ingredients combine to make an image reflective of his passion for the game. He's fun to watch, a joy and a challenge to photograph, and he brings smiles to a lot of faces."

Flyers center Mike Richards reaches for the puck as he is upended by Islanders defenseman Sean Hill.

Sabres center Derek Roy (left) and right wing Mike Grier (25) collide during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Hurricanes.

Rangers defenseman Dale Purinton fights with Bruins right wing Colton Orr during a preseason game.

Bears wide receiver Mushin Muhammad poses with the bears at the Bronx Zoo.

William and Mary defensive back James Miller takes a licking from James Madison tail back Maurice Fenner in the third quarter of James Madison's 48-34 victory in their NCAA 1AA Semifinal game.

Devils center Joe Nieuwendyk and Senators defenseman Wade Redden watch the puck go around the corner glass after being moved by Sens goalie Patrick Lalime during the first period of Game 1 of the Eastern Confernce Finals.

Jockey Jerry Bailey takes Empire Maker to the wire past jockey Jose Santos and Funny Cide in winning the 2003 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct.

Flyers right wing Justin Williams gets a close-up of the plexiglass as he is slammed into the boards by Penguins defenseman Darius Kasparaitis in the third period.

Sabres goalie Dominik Hasek makes a stick save on a shot by Flyers center Dean McAmmond during overtime of Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Quaterfinals.

Flyers left wing John LeClair is brought down in front of the net by Penguins defenseman Peter Popovic as Pens goalie Ron Tugnutt makes a save during the second period of Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Devils right wing Randy McKay jumps to avoid being hit by a teammate's shot while playing at the top of Avalanche goalie Marc Denis' crease during the second period.

Rangers center Wayne Gretzky waves to the crowd at Madison Square Garden following his last NHL game.

Flyers center Eric Lindros checks Red Wings defenseman Bob Rouse during the third period of Game 2 of the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals.

Giants running back Dave Meggett scores a touchdown against the Eagles.

A huge pack of runners cross the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge at the beginning of the New York City Marathon.

Mary Pierce serves during the Pathmark Open.

Published Aug 19, 2011

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