MONTREAL — Pat Burns, who coached the New Jersey Devils to the 2003 Stanley Cup title, was remembered Monday for his booming voice, big heart and ability to draw the most out of his players.
Players, coaches and executives gathered for his funeral, where a flame near the altar flickered above a miniature Stanley Cup. Burns died of cancer this month at 58.
The entire roster of the Devils was on hand for the afternoon service, honoring the police officer-turned-hockey coach who also had successful runs in Montreal, Toronto and Boston before coming to the Devils.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was joined by Raymond Bourque, Patrick Roy and Maple Leafs executives Brian Burke and Cliff Fletcher.
“His bark sometimes was a little louder than his bite, but he could actually bark pretty loud. But he could also have the other side, that was understanding and supportive,” said Bourque, the great Bruins and Avalanche defenseman.
“He was fun to play for. I really loved him and he was the best defensive coach I’ve ever had,” Roy said.
The Associated Press
