Pat Burns

      A model family man, a man who Coached at the highest level and achieved the greatest accomplishments, a man who battled Cancer for five years and lost in the end, will forever be remembered synonomous to the game of Hockey. Pat Burns was more than a Stanley Cup winning Hockey Coach.  A tough, street smart, former Officer of the Law, Pat Burns began a career in Coaching in the late 80's. As a former 'Street Cop' in Montreal, it was only fitting for Burns to start his Coaching career as tutor to the famous 'Les Habitants', guiding the Habs to the Cup Finals in his rookie Coaching season of 1988/89. Pat Burns moved to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1992 and, neigh a missed call by Kerry Fraser, still managed to guide the Maple Leafs to consecutive Semi-Final appearances in 92/93 and 93/94 thus resurrecting a proud organization. Having a strong showing in the two biggest Canadian (and Worldwide) Hockey Markets, Pat Burns moved to the Boston Bruins Chain where he again came close to guiding his Team to the promised land, a sip from the Stanley Cup. This earned Coach Burns the accolades and distinction of being the only Head Coach in Hockey to ever win the Jack Adams (Coach of the Year) Award with three different organizations. When Lou Lamorillo brought Burns to the New Jersey Devils in 2002/03 it was finally due calling when the Devils won the Cup (ironically Burns didn’t win the Jack Adams Award the year he won his first and only Stanley Cup).

  These accomplishments must be attributed to Pat Burns philosophy on life; hard work, honesty and integrity breeding success. Working to achieve, and always remembering that hard work rewards. Many would say these are obvious traits of success, yet how many of us walk the walk. It was Pat Burns’ work ethic that added character to every organization he was ever associated with, and his 'blue collar' ideology from his years on the Police Force in Montreal earned Burns the respect of the Hockey World and sports fans in general. It was painful for many to see Pat Burns failing health. He didn't deserve an early exit from this World after having dedicated his entire life to the shaping of those around him to maximize their potential, and achieve at levels they didn't know they had in them. It will serve as a humbling to most Canadians, to the level and awe at which Terry Fox is remembered. It's not the success I'm referring to it's the fortitude that Burns brought out in people he counseled and Coached. The feeling we all had when watching a Pat Burns' Coached Hockey Team, that of people who gave it their all.