Thursday, April 7, 2011
Posted: 11:41 a.m.Updated: 4:33 p.m.By Tim PanaccioCSNPhilly.com
Former Flyers assistant coach and longtime hockey draft guru EJ McGuire died of cancer Thursday. He was 58.
McGuire was most recently the director of Central Scouting, a position he held with the NHL since 2005. McGuire in January was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma. It's a cancer that attacks involuntary muscles.
For nearly four decades, McGuire, who was born in Buffalo and lived in the suburbs of Toronto, served as a head coach at the collegiate, junior and AHL levels. He was also an assistant coach for the Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators.
"On behalf of the Philadelphia Flyers, I would like to personally extend my condolences to EJ's wife, Terry and their daughters, Jacqueline and Erin," said Comcast-Spectacor chairman Ed Snider. "EJ was a close personal friend of mine who loved hockey as much as he loved life.
"I always enjoyed spending time with him. We would often talk about our team, the game, and our families. He always had great insights and that's something I'm going to miss. He was one of the most knowledgeable men our sport has ever known. It's a sad day for the Flyers and a sad day for hockey."
The National Hockey League was privileged to benefit from EJ's expertise and enthusiasm, both of which were limitless, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. EJ loved scouting games and loved the internal debates over the strengths and weaknesses of Entry Draft prospects. The way he ran Central Scouting made it vitally important to every one of our Clubs.
NHL
The NHL family has suffered a tremendous loss. As we celebrate EJs contributions and mourn his passing, we send our condolencesand our gratitudeto EJ's family and friends.
McGuire is survived by his wife, Terry, and their daughters, Jacqueline and Erin.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net
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