Who was Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk?
OTTAWA Senators owner Eugene Melnyk has sadly passed away at the age of 62.
The hockey club announced Melnyk's passing on Monday, March 28, 2022.
Who was Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk?
Melnyk is a well-known Canadian businessman who went on to become the chairman of the National Hockey League's Ottawa Senators and the AHL's Belleville Senators.
He was the founder and former chairman of Biovail Corp, one of Canada's largest pharmaceutical companies.
He also chaired and was the chief executive of Neurolign - a fledgling medical device company and - and of Clean Beauty Collective, a boutique firm specialising ethically sourced products.
Melnyk was also an Honorary Colonel of the Canadian Armed Forces.
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What was Eugene Melnyk's cause of death?
Melnyk's cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
The Senators announced his passing on the night of Monday, March 28, 2022.
A statement read: "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.
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"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 has owned the club since 2003.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman paid tribute to Melnyk.
He said: "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.
"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."
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What was Eugene Melnyk's net worth?
Canadian Business magazine ranked Melnyk with a net worth of $1.21billion on its 2017 list of Canada's most wealthiest people.
Barbados' Nationalnews.com ranked him as the country's richest resident.