The Untold Journey of Legendary NHL Coach: Coach The Pat Burns Story

About Pat Burns

Pat Burns, the name that resonates with passion, determination, and excellence, holds an indelible place in the annals of National Hockey League (NHL) history. Regarded as one of the finest coaches in the game, his story is a testament to unwavering dedication, unyielding spirit, and an undying love for the game. Let's dive into the incredible life and career of Pat Burns, a hockey legend who etched his name into the hearts of fans worldwide.

Early Life and the Path to Greatness

Pat Burns was born on April 4th, 1952, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Growing up, he developed a deep love for hockey and dreamt of one day making it to the NHL. However, his journey to greatness was not straightforward. Before embarking on his coaching career, Pat Burns served as a police officer, working in various cities, including Gatineau and Montreal.

Coach: The Pat Burns Story

by Baby Professor (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4880 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	338 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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Despite his considerable success in law enforcement, his passion for hockey persisted. In 1984, Burns decided to shift gears and pursue his lifelong dream. He transitioned into coaching, starting with minor league teams in Quebec before climbing the ladder to the NHL.

The Rise to Prominence

Pat Burns' ascent in the coaching world was nothing short of remarkable. After honing his skills in the minors, he landed his first NHL coaching gig in 1988 with the Montreal Canadiens. His impact was almost immediate, leading the team to a memorable Stanley Cup victory in his rookie season. This remarkable achievement propelled him into the spotlight and cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with.

Over the next decade, Burns took the helm of three different teams: the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Boston Bruins, and the New Jersey Devils. At each stop, he left an indelible mark on the franchises, transforming struggling teams into legitimate contenders. Burns' unwavering commitment to instilling discipline, fostering teamwork, and demanding excellence from his players proved to be the winning formula.

The Attributes of a True Leader

Pat Burns possessed a unique set of qualities that set him apart as a remarkable coach and mentor. His unwavering commitment to his players and the game, combined with his ability to inspire and motivate, made him a genuine leader.

With a reputation for being stern and demanding, Burns pushed his players to their limits. His unwavering determination enabled him to extract the best from each individual, often propelling them to achieve beyond their perceived potential. He had an innate ability to recognize his players' strengths and weaknesses, using this insight to deploy them strategically on the ice.

However, Burns is not remembered solely for his discipline and determination. His players speak of his genuine care for their wellbeing, as he often went above and beyond to support them both on and off the ice. He fostered a sense of family and camaraderie within his teams, creating an environment of trust and respect.

The Toll of Adversity

As Burns' success soared, his health started to decline. In 2003, he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, forcing him to step away from coaching. The news devastated the hockey community, and tributes poured in from players, coaches, and fans alike.

Despite the gravity of his illness, Burns remained resilient. His unbreakable spirit transcended his battle with cancer as he sought to inspire others, imparting life lessons through his unwavering determination.

Legacy and Recognition

Pat Burns' impact on the NHL goes far beyond his impressive coaching record. His legacy is one of resilience, perseverance, and unmatched leadership. His unparalleled coaching career, including three Jack Adams Awards as the NHL's Coach of the Year, solidifies his status as one of the greatest coaches of all time.

In 2014, Burns was posthumously awarded the ultimate honor when he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. His wife, Line Burns, accepted the prestigious award on his behalf.

The tale of Pat Burns extends far beyond the stats and trophies. It is a story of unwavering dedication, indomitable spirit, and an unyielding love for the game of hockey. Pat Burns will forever remain an icon in the hearts of fans and players alike, a true testament to the power of resilience and leadership.

Coach: The Pat Burns Story

by Baby Professor (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4880 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	338 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

Pat Burns was one of the great NHL coaches. He worked with the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils, and seemed always to enjoy instant success. He capped his extraordinary career by coaching the New Jersey Devils to a Stanley Cup victory in 2003. Cancer--his third bout--finally claimed him in 2010, aged 58. 

Rosie DiManno, who knew Burns well, has written a revealing, exhilarating and heartfelt account of his life: his childhood as a fatherless, solitary male surrounded by many women, his years as a police officer, his glorious coaching career and his long and characteristically valiant ending.

Coach is both the first major biography of Burns and one that, with its revelations, personal insights and riveting prose, is--like the man himself--sure to be both controversial and hard to beat. Rosie DiManno knew, liked and admired Burns, and in the writing of this book has interviewed many, many people from every stage of his life. She is not blind to his less endearing qualities, but seeks to explain them.

DiManno reveals a man of contradictions--gruff and crude, bullying and sentimental, and easily wounded. She shows, moreover, a man of hockey. The Burns who rode motorcycles, dressed like a cowboy, and sweet-talked the ladies was, says DiManno, a self-creation. His one indisputable, true talent was for coaching hockey. He was a pure coach. 

DiManno tells a compelling story and helps us to understand a complex man, one who gave little of himself to the public and yet whose funeral was a spectacle. How did that happen? Who was Pat Burns? Rosie DiManno, who witnessed much of the story, has the answers.