Senators Owner Eugene Melnyk Passes Away At Age 62
This might not be Montreal Canadiens related news, but the hockey nation mourns an important figure. Longtime Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk has passed in a statement released by the team late Monday evening.
It is with great sadness that the family of Eugene Melnyk and the Ottawa Senators hockey organization announce his passing on March 28, 2022 after an illness he faced with determination and courage. https://t.co/MrHsTvu7sz pic.twitter.com/DOZrJcD26e
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) March 29, 2022
Brady Tkachuk quickly took to Twitter following the news, offering his condolences to all involved in the passing of Melnyk.
Mr. Melnyk provided me, my teammates, and many Sens players who came before us with an opportunity to live out our dream. The Ottawa community will miss you greatly. Condolences to your family. https://t.co/lNeXwUDurF
— brady tkachuk (@BradyTkachuk71) March 29, 2022
Melnyk purchased the Ottawa Senators in 2003 and was instrumental in their lone Stanley Cup appearance in 2007. Melnyk also served as Governor and Chairman of the Senators as well as their AHL affiliate the Binghamton Senators.
Gary Bettman released the following statement on Monday evening.
"“The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk. The words ‘passion’ and ‘commitment’ define the man who has owned the Ottawa Senators since 2003. Whether it was in the boardroom with his fellow governors, at the rink with his beloved Senators or in the community with his philanthropy, he cared deeply about the game, about his team and about bettering the lives of those in need, particularly underserved children, organ donation and, most recently, with his commitment to his parents’ home country of Ukraine,” said Bettman. “While successful in business, it was our game and his Senators that he was most passionate about. Eugene was often outspoken but he maintained an unwavering commitment to the game and his roots and he loved nothing more than donning a Senators sweater and cheering on his beloved team.“On behalf of the entire National Hockey League, I extend my deepest sympathies to Eugene’s daughters, Anna and Olivia, his extended family, and all those who benefited from his generosity.”"
The team at A Winning Habit send their condolences to the families and fans affected by this news. We also wish to recognize our teammates over at SenShot and send our condolences to them as well.