"The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "The words 'passion' and 'commitment' define the man who has owned the Ottawa Senators since 2003. Whether it was in the boardroom with his fellow governors, at the rink with his beloved Senators or in the community with his philanthropy, he cared deeply about the game, about his team and about bettering the lives of those in need, particularly underserved children, organ donation and, most recently, with his commitment to his parents' home country of Ukraine.
"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."
Teams and owners across the NHL offered their condolences on social media, including Vancouver Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini.
"Shocked and sorry to learn of the passing of Eugene Melnyk," Aquilini said in a tweet. "On behalf of the Canucks and the Aquilini family, sincere condolences to Eugene's family, friends, and the Ottawa Senators."
Melnyk established Capital Sports & Entertainment in 2003. The company and its affiliates also own and operate Canadian Tire Centre and manage Sensplex properties in Ottawa. Under his ownership, the Senators advanced to the 2007 Stanley Cup Final, losing to the Anaheim Ducks in five games, and the Eastern Conference Final in 2017, a seven-game loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
"It's definitely a sad day yesterday, sad day today," Senators captain Brady Tkachuk said Tuesday. "Ottawa lost a person who cared so much about the community, and he brought tons of memories for people. … Of course we're thinking about Anna and Olivia and the rest of his family, close friends. It's definitely a really sad today. He gave us the opportunity to be in Ottawa, a great city and great people there. So it's definitely a really sad day for the community."
Senators coach D.J. Smith said passion is a word he always associated with Melnyk, especially his passion to help the Senators win the Stanley Cup.
"Passion to win the Stanley Cup at all costs," he said. "Didn't care what anyone thought about how we went about it. He just knew how to get to it, and I think we will fulfill that dream for him."
New York Islanders forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau was drafted by Ottawa in 2011 and played for the Senators for eight seasons from 2012-2020.
"Growing up in Ottawa, you know how much he was involved in so many foundation and charity events," Pageau said Tuesday. "And to save the team. ... to keep the team in Ottawa. It's definitely sad news for the organization and my thoughts and prayers go to all his family."
Melnyk was also a horse breeder and was named Canada's Outstanding Owner in 2007. His horses won events such as the Canadian Triple Crown, the Travers Stakes in Saratoga, and the Gold Cup in Barbados. He was fond of the Canadian military, visiting troops in Afghanistan and serving as Honorary Colonel of the 414 (EWS) Squadron from 2014-19. He also supported numerous charitable causes, including St. Joseph's Health Centre, Help Us Help the Children, and St. Michael's College School in Toronto, his alma mater.
With Melnyk's help, the Senators Community Foundation invested more than $100 million to support local charities and community programs that help children and youth across the region. He was the lead donor of Anna House, a childcare facility in Elmont, New York, and Roger Neilson House, a pediatric palliative care facility in Ottawa named after the former Senators coach.
"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," the Senators wrote on their website.
