The Senators say their owner Eugene Melnyk passed away at age 62 after a lengthy illness.
The group failed to identify the “illness”
The Ottawa Senators announced on Monday night that team owner Eugene Melnyk had passed away due to illness. He was sixty-two.
The team released a statement from Melnyk’s family announcing his passing, referring to it as “an illness he faced with determination and courage.” The illness’s nature was not disclosed in the statement, and a team representative did not promptly reply to a message requesting more information.
In 2015, Melnyk underwent a liver transplant following a public search for a donor. Since 2003, when he paid $92 million to purchase the NHL team, he has been the owner of the Senators. In 2007, Ottawa advanced to the Stanley Cup Final but was defeated by the Anaheim Ducks in five games.
The Toronto native was involved in other businesses around Canada and in 2010 had an estimated net worth of $1.21 billion.
Melnyk bought 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.”
Senators captain Brady Tkachuk said in a tweet: “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 was also a successful thoroughbred horse-racing breeder, twice being named Canada’s top owner. His horses won all three legs of the Canadian Triple Crown, including Archers Bay capturing the ’98 Queen’s Plate and Prince of Wales Stakes en route to being named Canada’s champion three-year-old male.
