Senators owner Eugene Melnyk passes away at 62

We’ve got some sad news to report out of the hockey world.

The Ottawa Senators confirm that owner Eugene Melnyk has died after a prolonged battle with an unknown illness. He was 62 at the time of his death.

“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…Eugene never wavered in his desire and commitment to bring the Stanley Cup to the nation’s capital” said the Senators in a statement.

“Under his ownership, the Senators played in the 2007 Stanley Cup finals and the Conference Finals in 2017. Eugene was confident the current team of talented players and coaching staff that he and his organization built will challenge for and eventually deliver on that championship promise.”

Melnyk, who came to prominence as founder, chairman, and CEO of Biovail Corporation, has been the owner of the Senators and their AHL affiliate since August 2003. Despite a tumultuous relationship with the city and the team’s fanbase, the Senators had a lot of success with Melnyk at the helm.

Since he took over as an owner, the team has made eight postseason appearances, two Eastern Conference Final appearances, a Stanley Cup appearance and won 44 combined postseason games.

The Toronto, Ontario native had been hospitalized due to liver failure but was able to battle through it after a receiving a live liver transplant back in May 2015.