The hockey world is mourning the loss of Ray Shero, a respected NHL executive who passed away at the age of 62. Shero is best remembered for his tenure as general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he led the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 2009.
Shero`s death was first announced by the Minnesota Wild, for whom he most recently served as a senior advisor. The cause of death has not been released. USA Hockey confirmed his passing on Tuesday night.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement praising Shero: “Ray Shero`s infectious smile and vibrant personality brightened every room he entered. He was admired throughout hockey for his talent in building teams and identifying promising players, but even more so for his kind and considerate nature towards everyone he encountered.”
Bettman added, “Whenever our paths crossed at the rink during his scouting trips, his deep passion for hockey was evident, and his boundless enthusiasm was always inspiring.”
Before his successful run with the Penguins, Shero gained valuable experience as assistant general manager with the Ottawa Senators from 1993 to 1998 and the Nashville Predators until 2006.
He took the reins as GM of the Penguins in 2006 and quickly made his mark, culminating in the 2009 Stanley Cup championship after a near miss the previous year.
A native of St. Paul, Minnesota, Shero later served as GM of the New Jersey Devils from 2015 to 2020 and then joined the Wild as a senior advisor for the past four years.
Tom Fitzgerald, who succeeded Shero as GM of the Devils after serving as his assistant, expressed the organization`s deep sorrow. “The entire organization is shocked and deeply saddened by Ray`s passing,” Fitzgerald stated. “Ray was not only a highly respected executive and a valuable mentor but, most importantly, a true friend to many during his time in New Jersey.”
Fitzgerald emphasized Shero`s lasting impact: “Ray`s dedication to the game was inherited from his family and continued throughout his career. His influence on the New Jersey Devils organization is undeniable, and his contributions are still evident in our team today, both on and off the ice.”
Shero also contributed to USA Hockey, serving as an executive for the U.S. men`s national team at the 2010 and 2014 Olympic Games. He played college hockey at St. Lawrence University, where he was team captain in 1984-85. Although drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1982, he did not play in the NHL.
Agent Allan Walsh shared his grief on social media, “Words cannot express my devastation upon hearing this news. Despite our professional rivalries, we always held deep respect for each other. He was an exceptional GM and an even more remarkable person. The memories we shared over the years are countless. I love you, Ray, and your absence will be profoundly felt. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Ray Shero`s father, Fred Shero, was also a prominent figure in hockey, famously coaching the Philadelphia Flyers to two consecutive Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975.
Tristan Blackwood