Eugene Melnyk, owner of the Ottawa Senators since 2003, died from an illness Monday. He was 62.
“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.”
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, losing in seven games to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
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.
Melnyk 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 Belmont, New York, and Roger Nielson 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.