Mark Reeds, Senators Assistant Coach, Dies at Age 55 After Battle with Cancer

The Ottawa Senators organization suffered a huge loss Tuesday as assistant coach Mark Reeds died at the age of 55 after a battle with cancer.  

The Bayshore News Broadcasting Centre first reported the tragic news:

Sens owner Eugene Melnyk released a statement after Reeds' untimely death, courtesy of Senators.com:

"

It is with very heavy hearts that all of us within the Senators family remember Mark who was truly a wonderful father, husband, player, coach and friend. Mark's charismatic fighting spirit was present right until the end. We are all better for having had the opportunity to work so closely with Mark whose passion for life, hockey and his family will leave an indelible mark on our organization. The entire Ottawa Senators organization sends its deepest condolences to the Reeds family.

"

In addition to his role as an assistant coach with the Senators, Reeds also previously served as head coach of the OHL's Owen Sound Attack. His former team tweeted out a heartfelt message following his death:

The kind words regarding the former St. Louis Blues and Hartford Whalers forward didn't end there, though, as many within the hockey community expressed their condolences on Twitter.

One of Ottawa's chief rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs, tipped their cap in the Senators' direction in a classy gesture:

Also, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun had some very kind words about Reeds as a person:

TSN's Gord Miller described his fondness for Reeds as well:

The Senators will undoubtedly mourn the loss of their fallen coach, but they are also in preparation for their playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens after qualifying for the postseason against all odds.

Reeds was certainly an inspirational figure for the players, and one can only assume that they will give it everything they have in his memory.

He left an indelible mark on the NHL as a player and a coach, and the impression he left on the Senators organization will be obvious when they take the ice against the Habs.

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