Photo Minas Panagiotakis/NHLI via Getty Images
Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk died Monday of an unspecified illness, the franchise said. He was 62.
“It is with great sadness that Eugene Melnyk’s family and the Ottawa Senators hockey organization announce his death on March 28, 2022, after an illness he faced with determination and courage,” the team said in a statement.
Melnyk purchased the Senators in August 2003, and the team achieved some success under his ownership, including an appearance in the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals. He also served as the governor and chairman of the Senators, and was the owner of the team’s AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators .
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released the following statement on Monday:
“The National Hockey League mourns the loss of Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk. The words “passion” and “commitment” define the man who has owned Ottawa Senators since 2003. Whether in the boardroom with his fellow governors, on the rink with his beloved senators, or in the community with his philanthropy, he cared deeply about the game, about his team, and about improving the lives of those in need, especially underserved children, organ donation, and most recently with his commitment to his parents’ home country, Ukraine.
“Although he was successful in business, it was our game and his Senators that he was most passionate about. Eugene was often outspoken, but he was unwaveringly committed to the game and his roots, and he loved nothing more than to don a Senators sweater and cheer on his beloved team.
“On behalf of the entire National Hockey League, I extend my deepest sympathy to Eugene’s daughters, Anna and Olivia, his extended family and everyone who has benefited from his generosity.”
Additionally, one of Ottawa’s top players, Brady Tkachuk, mourned the loss of Melnyk in a tweet Monday.
brady tkachuk @BradyTkachuk71
Mr. Melnyk gave me, my teammates and many Sens players who came before us the opportunity to live our dream. You will be greatly missed by the Ottawa community. Condolences to your family. https://t.co/lNeXwUDurF
The Senators haven’t had much success in recent years, most recently in the 2016-17 season in the playoffs. Despite a lack of success on the ice and financially, Melnyk wasn’t ready to sell the franchise and said in 2017 that he was open to relocating should the team’s situation deteriorate.