Pat Burns
Full Name and Common Aliases
Pat Burns is a renowned Canadian hockey coach and former player. His full name is Patrick Joseph Burns.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 10, 1948, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Unfortunately, the exact date of his passing is not publicly available.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Canadian by nationality, Pat Burns is a retired professional hockey coach and player who spent most of his career in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Early Life and Background
Pat Burns grew up in a family with strong connections to hockey. His father, also named Patrick Joseph Burns Sr., was an NHL referee for over 20 years, which gave Pat Burns an intimate understanding of the game from an early age. This exposure laid the foundation for his future success as both a player and coach.
Major Accomplishments
Pat Burns's coaching career spanned over two decades, during which he led several teams to notable achievements:
As head coach of the New Jersey Devils (1991-1998), Pat Burns led them to three consecutive playoff appearances from 1997 to 1999. This included a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1995.
In his second stint with the Devils (2002-2006), he once again guided the team to the playoffs, including an Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 2003.
Notable Works or Actions
Pat Burns's contributions extend beyond his on-ice accomplishments. He has been a pioneer for cancer awareness and research:
In 1989, Pat Burns was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His courage during this challenging period inspired others to raise awareness about the disease.
After his diagnosis, Pat Burns dedicated himself to promoting men's health and cancer research through various charitable initiatives.
Impact and Legacy
Pat Burns's impact on hockey extends far beyond his coaching career:
He was one of the first coaches to emphasize the importance of mental preparation for players. This approach helped him build strong relationships with his teams.
Pat Burns also recognized the value of analytics in hockey, incorporating advanced statistics into his coaching strategies.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Pat Burns is widely quoted and remembered for his:
Leadership: As a coach, he demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, fostering strong team dynamics and getting the most out of his players.
Passion: Pat Burns's love for hockey was evident throughout his career. He instilled this same passion in those around him.
Pat Burns's legacy serves as an inspiration to coaches, players, and fans alike. His commitment to both the sport and cancer research has left a lasting impact on the world of hockey.
Quotes by Pat Burns
Pat Burns's insights on:
If one of my players ever wants to hit me, he better do it really hard because otherwise, I'll find a rock, a stick, or a piece of wood - and believe me, it's gonna be a brawl.
As for my career, I always said to my kids, 'you don't cry because it's over, you're happy because it happened.'
If one of my players ever wants to hit me, he better do it really hard because otherwise, I’ll find a rock, a stick, or a piece of wood and believe me, it’s gonna be a brawl...
An avowed homosexual, that would never be accepted in hockey – never! Because it’s a milieu where everyone is often naked.
As for my career, I always said to my kids, ‘You don’t cry because it’s over, you’re happy because it happened.’ That’s the main thing. I’m very happy that it happened.
I’m not an overly happy person. There are times when I’m happy, and that’s usually in my private life.
People were so hockey-oriented, hockey-minded, without being too critical. In Montreal, they got downright nasty sometimes.
