Reaction to Burns' passing from around the NHL
Friday, 11.19.2010 / 10:34 PM
/ News
NHL.com
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Sympathies poured in from around the NHL Friday evening in memory of three-time Jack Adams Award-winning coach Pat Burns, who passed away earlier in the day.
"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. 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. Today, the hockey world has lost a great friend and ambassador. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Line, and the entire Burns' family."
-- Devils' President/CEO/General Manager Lou Lamoriello
"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."
-- National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman
"On behalf of the Maple Leafs, I want to convey our deepest sympathies to Pat's family, and the long list of his close friends throughout the hockey community. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this time of grief."
-- Toronto Maple Leafs President and General Manager Brian Burke
"Pat forged a tremendous bond, not only with a very good veteran team in Toronto, but also with Leafs fans everywhere. He commanded respect from the players and the team quickly had great success while taking on the identity of the head coach. The Leafs' rise at the time was a testament to Pat's strength, toughness and determination. Hiring him 18 years ago was easily my best decision in hockey, and we developed a great friendship that I will always treasure. Pat will be greatly missed."
-- Cliff Fletcher, Toronto Maple Leafs senior advisor and the general manager during Burns' tenure
"On behalf of the Jacobs family and the entire Boston Bruins family, I would like to express our deep sorrow on the passing of Pat Burns. Pat was a great coach and more importantly a wonderful man. The Bruins are honored to have him as a part of our history. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Burns family."
--Cam Neely, president of the Boston Bruins
"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. 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. Today, the hockey world has lost a great friend and ambassador. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Line, and the entire Burns' family."
-- Devils' President/CEO/General Manager Lou Lamoriello
"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."
-- National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman
"On behalf of the Maple Leafs, I want to convey our deepest sympathies to Pat's family, and the long list of his close friends throughout the hockey community. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this time of grief."
-- Toronto Maple Leafs President and General Manager Brian Burke
"Pat forged a tremendous bond, not only with a very good veteran team in Toronto, but also with Leafs fans everywhere. He commanded respect from the players and the team quickly had great success while taking on the identity of the head coach. The Leafs' rise at the time was a testament to Pat's strength, toughness and determination. Hiring him 18 years ago was easily my best decision in hockey, and we developed a great friendship that I will always treasure. Pat will be greatly missed."
-- Cliff Fletcher, Toronto Maple Leafs senior advisor and the general manager during Burns' tenure
"On behalf of the Jacobs family and the entire Boston Bruins family, I would like to express our deep sorrow on the passing of Pat Burns. Pat was a great coach and more importantly a wonderful man. The Bruins are honored to have him as a part of our history. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Burns family."
--Cam Neely, president of the Boston Bruins
