SHERBROOKE, Quebec – “Just as they will remember Pat for his success as a coach, hockey fans also will remember his humor, his honesty, his humanity and his courage. As it mourns the loss of an outstanding contributor to the game, the National Hockey League sends heartfelt condolences to Pat’s family and friends.”
With those words, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced the passing of long-time coach Pat Burns in a statement released by the NHL office in New York.
Burns passed away on Friday following a battle with recurrent cancer. He was 58. In 2004 and 2005 he had been diagnosed with colon and liver cancer and fought through the treatment to feel that he had beaten the disease.
In January of 2009, he was told by physicians that the cancer had returned and was in his lungs.
Burns, a former Montreal policeman, won the Stanley Cup in 2003 as coach of the New Jersey Devils. In addition to New Jersey, Burns was the bench boss in Boston, Toronto and Montreal. He had a career coaching record of 501-353-165 through 1,019 NHL games.
“On behalf of the ownership, management, staff, and players of the new Jersey Devils, we are all deeply saddened by the loss of Pat Burns,” Devils President Lou Lamoriello said in a statement. “Pat was a close friend to us all, while dedicating his life to his family and to the game of hockey. He has been part of our family here in New Jersey for eight years.”
Burns is survived by his wife, daughter, son, stepdaughter, and stepson.
Funeral arrangements will be announced over the next few days. Comment@prohockeynews.com
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