WHL MOURNS THE PASSING OF PAT QUINN

The Western Hockey League is deeply saddened by the passing of Vancouver Giants’ co-owner and Hockey Hall of Fame Chairman Pat Quinn.

Quinn passed away on Sunday, November 23rd, in Vancouver, B.C., after battling a lengthy illness.  He was 71.

“Pat Quinn was not only one of the most prominent hockey leaders in this country but also a great person who was highly respected by everyone associated with the game,” stated WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “As a co-owner of the WHL’s Vancouver Giants, Pat genuinely cared about the game at all levels and was regarded as one of the most astute hockey minds the game has ever seen. On behalf of all of us at the WHL, we extend our deepest sympathy to Pat’s family during this very difficult time.”

A product of Hamilton, Ontario, Quinn played over 600 games in the National Hockey League over a nine-season span, and went on to a lengthy coaching and management career in the NHL and represented Canada on many occasions at the international level.

Quinn’s many accomplishments included capturing a Memorial Cup with the Edmonton Oil Kings in 1963, while as a Head Coach leading Canada to an Olympic gold medal in 2002 and a World Cup of Hockey championship in 2004, as well as World Junior Championship gold medal in 2009.

“Words cannot express the pain we all feel today for the Quinn family,” said Vancouver Giants majority owner Ron Toigo. “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.”