subject: NHL Coaching Great Pat Burns Loses Battle Against Cancer [print this page] NHL Coaching Great Pat Burns Loses Battle Against Cancer
Pat Burns, a tough cop talk of Quebec who led the New Jersey Devils Stanley Cup and became the only man to win coach of the year honors with three NHL teams, died on Friday aged 58 after a long battle with cancer.
"Just as we remember Pat for her success as a coach, hockey fans will also remember his humor, his honesty, his humanity and courage," said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in a statement.
"As he mourns the loss of an outstanding contribution in the game, the National Hockey League sends condolences to the family of Pat and his friends." A working class hero to the fans of hockey in Canada and the United States, Burns banged his fist on the police beat to become one of the most successful coaches in the NHL to capture the Stanley Cup in 2003 with the Devils.
The following year, however, Burns diagnosed with colon cancer, and in 2005 of liver cancer, which he managed to overcome before getting lung cancer last year. "On behalf of the ownership, management, staff and players in New Jersey, we are all deeply saddened by the loss of Pat Burns, said the Devils' president and general manager Lou Lamoriello said in a statement.
" Pat was a close friend of us all while devoting his life to his family and play hockey. "It's part of our family here in New Jersey for eight years. Today the hockey world has lost a great friend and ambassador." During a career spanning 14 seasons, Burns has also led three of the original six franchises in Montreal, Toronto and Boston won the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of year at each stop, while posting a record of 501-353-165.
