OTTAWA – The Ottawa Senators organization sadly announces today that assistant coach Mark Reeds has passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.

“It is with very heavy hearts that all of us within the Senators family remember Mark who was truly a wonderful father, husband, player, coach and friend. Mark’s charismatic fighting spirit was present right until the end. We are all better for having had the opportunity to work so closely with Mark whose passion for life, hockey and his family will leave an indelible mark on our organization. The entire Ottawa Senators organization sends its deepest condolences to the Reeds family,” said Senators owner Eugene Melnyk.

Mark Reeds, 55, was in his fourth season as an assistant coach with the Senators after being named to the position on June 23, 2011. He spent the previous four seasons as head coach of the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack.

Prior to joining Owen Sound, Reeds spent four seasons as head coach of the United Hockey League’s Kalamazoo Wings. Before his arrival in Kalamazoo, Reeds led the UHL’s Missouri River Otters for four seasons. He began his coaching career with the ECHL’s Peoria Rivermen prior to the 1996-97 campaign and spent three seasons with the club.

Drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the fifth round, 86th overall, of the 1979 NHL Entry Draft, Reeds played in 365 NHL games, registering 159 points (45 goals, 114 assists) with the Blues and the Hartford Whalers between 1981-89.

Reeds is survived by his wife, Mary and two children, Kyle and Kelsey.