Reaction to Pat Quinn's death
— -- Longtime NHL coach Pat Quinn died Sunday night at Vancouver General Hospital after battling a lengthy illness. The two-time Jack Adams Award winner was 71 years old. The following is a sampling of the tributes expressed by members of the hockey fraternity on Monday:
"Whether he was playing for a team, coaching a team or building one, Pat Quinn was thoughtful, passionate and committed to success. Pat's contributions to hockey, at every level, reflected the skills he possessed and the great respect with which he treated the sport. The National Hockey League, one of the many organizations to benefit from his devoted service, sends heartfelt condolences to Pat's loved ones and his many friends around the hockey world." -- Commissioner Gary Bettman
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pat Quinn. Pat is one of hockey's most respected individuals whose lifetime involvement as a player, coach and executive has made an indelible mark on the game, and our thoughts and prayers are with Sandra and all of Pat's family and friends at this extremely difficult time." -- Jim Gregory, vice chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame
"We have lost a great man. It's a sad day for hockey and for everyone who loves our game. On this difficult day I am thinking about Pat, his family and his friends, and how much he will be missed. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for Pat. He was a great leader and always a teacher. He taught me how to be a professional on and off the ice. He taught me how to play hockey the right way, how to win, and about the importance of respect and loyalty. Pat's impact on our city has been immeasurable. He was responsible for bringing hockey to the forefront in Vancouver. He brought the pride back to the Canucks and today his finger prints and impact are still felt within this organization." -- Canucks president Trevor Linden
Pat Quinn represented everything you could want in a coach and a man. His presence, his patience, his toughness, and his grasp of what was required in the moment, all define Pat. The Hockey World is shaken today, and the pain of losing Pat Quinn will resonate with millions. To Pat's family, we wish you peace, at what has become the end of his journey, and the beginning of his legacy. We are fortunate you shared him with us." -- Tom Renney, President and CEO of Hockey Canada
"He was a great man. Unbelievable presence. Intelligent, intelligent guy. He was great at handling the media in Toronto. Maybe the last guy that was able to do that. Spent his whole life in the game." -- Red Wings coach Mike Babcock
"Words cannot express the pain we all feel today for the Quinn family. Pat was an inspiration to all of us. He always said that respect was something that should be earned, not given, and the respect that he garnered throughout the hockey world speaks for itself. He will be sorely missed." -- Vancouver Giants majority owner Ron Toigo
"I think that's a sad day for coaching in the National Hockey League. All the condolences from myself, my coaching staff and the Ottawa Senators to the Quinn family. Really a patriarch of coaching in the National Hockey League. I think we've all watched him. I remember watching him when he played. Obviously very competitive, physical man, an imposing man when he played and when he coached. It's a great loss to the National Hockey league and the Quinn family." -- Senators coach Paul MacLean
Pat Quinn was a giant of the hockey world, on the ice and off. Laureen and I extend our condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/2tKpCsDBC6
- Stephen Harper (@pmharper) November 24, 2014 ,My prayers are with Pat Quinn's family. He was tough, smart, kind, and Irish, the hockey world will miss him deeply: pic.twitter.com/dSVjVsziR9
- Brian Burke (@Burkie2020) November 24, 2014 ,Sad to hear the passing of Pat Quinn. He was a great coach. I had the privilege to play for him. You will be missed.
- Martin Brodeur (@MartinBrodeur) November 24, 2014 ,My favorite Pat Quinn story is where he came into the room in a 3 piece suit talking about the game plan against the Hawks that night
- Dustin Penner (@Dustinpenner25) November 24, 2014 ,We all shot each other looks wondering if he knew that it was just a practice day. RIP Pat. The only thing bigger than him was his heart.
- Dustin Penner (@Dustinpenner25) November 24, 2014 ,Pat Quinn made such an impact on me and our group at the '09 World Juniors. I'll never forget the presence he had #RIPQuinner
- John Tavares (@91Tavares) November 24, 2014 ,Sad to wake up to the news of Pat Quinn's passing. Was a great man and a true inspiration to all of us. Condolences to his family. #RIP
- Eddie Lack (@eddielack) November 24, 2014 ,Sad to hear of Pat Quinn's passing this morning. Was a great man and pleasure to know. Condolences to his family.
- Kevin Bieksa (@kbieksa3) November 24, 2014 ,Coolest part of the game for me is meeting hockey legends. Pat Quinn was one for me. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. #legend
- Zac Dalpe (@ZacDalpe22) November 24, 2014 ,Sad to hear the news of pat Quinn passing away. The best story teller I ever met! Great person who always found a way to make you laugh RIP
- Brendan Gallagher (@BGALLY17) November 24, 2014
Pat Quinn was a giant of the hockey world, on the ice and off. Laureen and I extend our condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/2tKpCsDBC6
My prayers are with Pat Quinn's family. He was tough, smart, kind, and Irish, the hockey world will miss him deeply: pic.twitter.com/dSVjVsziR9
Sad to hear the passing of Pat Quinn. He was a great coach. I had the privilege to play for him. You will be missed.
My favorite Pat Quinn story is where he came into the room in a 3 piece suit talking about the game plan against the Hawks that night
We all shot each other looks wondering if he knew that it was just a practice day. RIP Pat. The only thing bigger than him was his heart.
Pat Quinn made such an impact on me and our group at the '09 World Juniors. I'll never forget the presence he had #RIPQuinner
Sad to wake up to the news of Pat Quinn's passing. Was a great man and a true inspiration to all of us. Condolences to his family. #RIP
Sad to hear of Pat Quinn's passing this morning. Was a great man and pleasure to know. Condolences to his family.
Coolest part of the game for me is meeting hockey legends. Pat Quinn was one for me. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. #legend
Sad to hear the news of pat Quinn passing away. The best story teller I ever met! Great person who always found a way to make you laugh RIP