KK Members Blog

KK Members Blog

The Passing of Pat Burns and the Shame of the HHOF

11/20/2010 at 7:13pm EST

Everyone in the hockey world was saddened to learn of the death of Pat Burns. Pat was known for being a policeman in Gatinuea, Quebec. He was a fair, but touch coach that held his players accountable.

Coach Burns record in the NHL speaks for itself. A head coach in the NHL for 14 years with the Canadians, Maple Leafs, Bruins, and Devils. Pat coached over 1000 games and won more than 500 of them between 1988 - 2004. He won the Jack Adams award with three different teams, and was Coach of the Stanley Cups champions with the New Jersey Devils in 2003. He retired in 2006 and courageously fought three different types of cancer (colon, liver and lung) before finally succombing to the disagree at age 58 on Friday.

As you look at Coach Burns record, it obvious that he is a Hockey Hall of Famer, right? Well, obvious to everyone except the Hockey Hall of Fame. Coach Burns deserves to be in the Hall based on his credentials by itself. Yet, knowing that his cancer was in final stages, the HHOF failed to vote him in this year, in the same year that Dino and two females greats were inducted.

What ‘s up with that? It is not like this was not in the public eye. Over 70,000 fans had a Facebook site asking the HHOF to vote him in.

The injustice is that Pat will be in the Hall of Fame. But why when it was so obvious and doing the right thing, did not the HHOF note vote him in this year? It would have meant so much to him while he was alive when his family, friends and the hockey world could have celebrated a special moment with him. Shame on you the voting member of the Hall of Fame. You blew the easy shot for a game winning goal. This was heartless.

For those of you with access to Center Ice or Game Center Live, set you DVR. The Leafs and Canadians play tonight and given the class of the Habs, they will get it right.

Our deepest sorrow goes out to Pat’s wife, Line,and their two children. Be very proud of your husband and father.

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