Photo: Ottawa Senators
There is shocking and sad news from the Ottawa Senators organization this morning.
Team owner Eugene Melnyk has died at the age of 62.
It wasn’t known that he was sick. His family released a statement saying he died from ”an illness he faced with determination and courage.” It didn’t say what the illness was.
Melnyk had liver problems in the past and had to have a liver transplant to save his life. He wound up dedicating much of his time to organ donation awareness.
He was also known for helping children’s charities and the less fortunate in Ottawa and beyond.
Some questioned his financial viability to keep the team afloat and accused him of penny-pinching reducing the product on the ice.
That didn’t seem to include his players as seen by the tribute written by team Captain Brady Tkachuk. He took to Twitter to honour the owner, writing “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.”
Melnyk, a Toronto native, had owned the Senators since 2003.
Written by: Bob Perreault
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