The Ottawa Senators will enter the playoffs with heavy hearts, as word surfaced on Tuesday that assistant coach Mike Reeds died at the age of 55. Bayshore Broadcasting first reported the sad news that his battle with cancer has ended.
The news has been confirmed by the team.
Reeds had been fighting the disease for years before he was diagnosed with inoperable cancer recently. Bayshore Broadcasting’s report indicates that he was also dealing with pneumonia symptoms when he passed away on Tuesday morning.
Silver Seven Sens notes that he’s survived by his wife Mary and two children.
Reeds played 365 regular season games and 53 postseason contests at the NHL level, spending most of his career with the St. Louis Blues (who drafted him 86th overall in 1979). He also spent parts of two seasons with the Hartford Whalers.
He began his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Peoria Rivermen. Reeds won championships with the Kalamazoo Wings in the AHL and the Owen Sound Attack in the OHL before becoming a Senators assistant beginning in 2011-12.
The hockey world is already outpouring its support for the veteran coach, as you can see below.
The entire Ottawa Senators organization sends its deepest condolences to the Reeds family. Rest in peace, Mark.
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) April 14, 2015
Mark Reeds was a true gentleman who always had a smile at the rink. He'll be warmly remembered, and deeply missed.
— Gord Miller 🌻 🏳️🌈 (@GMillerTSN) April 14, 2015
Woke this morning to news of the passing of Mark Reeds..so sad, just 55y old / condolences to his family #Sens
— Ray Ferraro (@rayferraro21) April 14, 2015
Saddened to hear of the passing of Mark Reeds, a humble, respected hockey man who made a huge impact in Owen Sound and Ottawa. Gone too soon
— Chris Cuthbert (@CCpxpSN) April 14, 2015
Lost a great hockey man today. RIP Mark Reeds. Condolances to Mary, Kyle, Kelsey and the whole family. Great coach, Great guy I hate cancer
— Dean Brown (@PxPOttawa) April 14, 2015
My good friend Mark Reeds has passed away today. He was a great coach and great motivator. He always looked at life as an adventure. #RIP
— Jamie Rivers (@JamieRivers08) April 14, 2015
On my first Sens road trip in Feb. Mark Reeds came right over to me that night to introduce himself to the newbie. Sad to hear of his death.
— Chris Hofley (@chrishofley) April 14, 2015
Our thoughts are with the @Senators organization after the passing of assistant coach Mark Reeds. Condolences to his family & friends.
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) April 14, 2015