newjerseynewsroom.com

NHL coach led New Jersey Devils to the Stanley Cup in 2003

BY BOB HOLT

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

A coach of four NHL teams who led the New Jersey Devils to their last Stanley Cup championship has died. Former NHL coach Pat Burns was 58.

Devils president, CEO and general manager Lou Lamierello said in a statement: "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.

An Associated Press report in the Daily Record said Burns led New Jersey to its third Stanley Cup championship when the Devils beat the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in seven games in 2003.

Burns had survived colon cancer, which was diagnosed in 2004 and eventually spurred him to retire, and liver cancer, which he learned he had in 2005. In January, doctors found the cancer had spread to his lungs.

The New York Times reports that in September, Burns had to deny reports of his death in the Canadian news media and circulating on Internet sites, telling The Toronto Star: "I'm still alive and kicking. I'm hanging in."

Burns's last official public appearance was in early October, when he attended the groundbreaking ceremony for an arena to be named in his honor in Stanstead, Quebec.

Burns also coached Boston, Toronto and Montreal, twice leading the Bruins to the Stanley Cup finals. He also led the Canadiens to the NHL championship in his first season with Montreal.

He was the first coach to win three Jack Adams Awards as the NHL's top coach, and did it with three different teams.

Devils goalie Martin Brodeur posted this message on his website:

It is with great sadness that I learn the death of Pat Burns. We've had some memorable moments together including the Stanley Cup in 2003. We became good friend and my wife Genevieve is a close friend of Line, Pat's wife. We want to offer the Burns family our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts are with them in this event.

NorthJersey.com reports that Burns is survived by his wife, Line, his daughter, Maureen, son, Jason, stepdaughter, Stephanie, stepson, Maxime, and grandson, Samuel. Funeral arrangements will be announced over the next few days.