Senators owner Melnyk dies at 62
Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk has died at the age of 62.
The Senators made the announcement Monday night. The cause of death was not immediately known.
In 2015, Melnyk had a liver transplant at the Toronto General Hospital. He was reportedly mere days away from death before a suitable donor was found.
“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,” the team said in a statement. “Eugene never wavered in his desire and commitment to bring the Stanley Cup to the nation’s capital.
“Under his ownership, the Senators played in the 2007 Stanley Cup finals and the Conference Finals in 2017. Eugene was confident the current team of talented players and coaching staff that he and his organization built will challenge for and eventually deliver on that championship promise.”
Melnyk, the founder and former chairman of Biovail Corp., once Canada’s largest pharmaceutical company, has owned the Senators since 2003. In 2007, Ottawa reached the Stanley Cup final before losing in five games to the Anaheim Ducks.
Melnyk purchased the Senators and Canadian Tire Centre for US$130 million after reaching a deal with creditors.
Melnyk put in an offer for the Senators after Rod Bryden’s deal to reacquire the franchise was unsuccessful.
“The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Ottawa
Senators owner Eugene Melnyk,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “The words ‘passion’ and ‘commitment’ define the man who has owned the Ottawa Senators since 2003.
“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.”
“Mr. Melnyk provided me, my teammates, and many Sens players who came before us with an opportunity to live out our dream,” Senators captain Brady Tkachuk tweeted. “The Ottawa community will miss you greatly.” “Condolences to your family.” The Senators appeared in the playoffs nine times during Melnyk’s tenure. But Ottawa hasn’t reached the post-season since 2017 when it lost to the eventual champion Pittsburgh Penguins.