TSN.ca Staff
Longtime Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk has died at the age of 62, the Senators confirmed Monday night.
“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.
The native of Toronto purchased the Senators franchise in 2003 and was a part of their lone Stanley Cup appearance in 2007.
In addition to his role as owner, Melnyk also served as the governor and chairman of the Senators as well as the Belleville Senators of the American Hockey League.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement Monday night.
“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.”
Melnyk was a father to two children, Anna and Olivia.
