The NHL community is mourning on Tuesday after longtime Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk tragically passed away at just 62-years-old from an unknown illness. The team announced the news on Monday night.
Melnyk, who made most of his money in pharmaceuticals and medical sales, purchased the franchise in 2003 and eventually built the Senators into a pretty successful team. They even made the Stanley Cup in 2007. The organization revealed that he was battling a disease.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released this statement on his death:
“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.
Senators star Brady Tkachuk also offered his condolences to Melnyk and his family in these tough times:
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
RIP, Eugene Melnyk. You will be deeply missed by the entire Senators organization and hopefully, they can carry on your legacy.
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