Former NHL veteran of 25 years, 1,600 games tragically passes away at age 70
Photo credit: Ben Leeson /The Sudbury Star
A beloved figure in the hockey community and a longtime member of the NHL has sadly passed away at age 70
A well known figure in the hockey community as he served as a longtime NHL official, Dan McCourt, has passed away at age 70.
McCourt was just 70 years young as he passed away to an 'extended illness', according to The Sudbury Star.
McCourt was well known for his big personality throughout the times of officiating in his 25-year NHL career as a linesman from 1979 to 2004, and over a decade of an officiating manager role for the league.
Dan McCourt's passing at age 70 highlights his passion to reach the NHL
McCourt had a passion to get to the NHL, as a player, coach, or even referee, it was his dream.
«I just wanted to get to the NHL - that was my goal. When the playing side of it ended, I thought... there's two opportunities open here - you can either coach or you can referee.
I thought, well, you can coach when you're 50 years old. I'm going to try this refereeing thing and see how far I can go with it.»
I thought, well, you can coach when you're 50 years old. I'm going to try this refereeing thing and see how far I can go with it.»
McCourt's uncle is George Armstrong, who captained the Toronto Maple Leafs' team in 1967, when they last won the Stanley Cup. His brother, Dale, had a successful NHL and European hockey career.
Dan played a large role in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL), and the league has released a statement in memory of his passing.
«From the supervision of game officials, to providing guidance during the course of their assignments, he presented abounding direction in their progress over the course of each campaign,» the NOJHL added in a statement.
«That valuable insight to the league referees and those working the lines, earned the respect of all those he was associated with.»
«That valuable insight to the league referees and those working the lines, earned the respect of all those he was associated with.»
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 21 | 77 ANSWERS Former NHL veteran of 25 years, 1,600 games tragically passes away at age 70 Rest in Peace Dan McCourt | ||
| RIP | 59 | 76.6 % |
| Condolences | 18 | 23.4 % |
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