Senators Announce Passing Of Owner Eugene Melnyk -

Eugene Melnyk, owner of the Ottawa Senators and Belleville Senators, has passed away at the age of 62 after an undisclosed illness.

The Ottawa Senators announced that owner Eugene Melynk has passed away at the age of 62 following a lengthy illness.

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. https://t.co/MrHsTvu7sz pic.twitter.com/DOZrJcD26e

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) March 29, 2022

Per a statement from the Senators and the family of Eugene Melnyk:

“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.

Loving father to Anna and Olivia, Eugene was a devoted son to Vera and the late Dr. Ferdinand Melnyk, a caring brother to Lydia and a loving companion to Sharilyne. The businessman, sports franchise owner and philanthropist died peacefully surrounded by his family and will be fondly remembered by his many friends and associates.”

From Senators’ captain Brady Tkachuk:

“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.”

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NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement following the passing of Melnyk on Monday.

“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.

“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 purchased the Ottawa Senators and their arena (Corel Centre) on August 26th, 2003 for $92 million. Under Melnyk, the Senators reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2007 where they fell short to the Anaheim Ducks in five games. Melnyk also acquire the AHL Binghamton franchise now known as the Belleville Senators in 2016. He negotiated to move the team from New York to Ontario and they are the current AHL affiliate of the Senators.