The NHL Alumni Association is deeply saddened to learn that Paul Gagné has passed away at the age of 63.
As a first-round selection of the Colorado Rockies in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft, Paul made his NHL debut on October 11, 1980, scoring his first career goal just one day later on October 12, 1980.
Paul suited up for the Colorado Rockies, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Islanders, respectively, over the course of his NHL career.
After retiring from professional hockey in 1999, Paul became the head coach of his former club EHC Biel-Bienne in Switzerland for one season, before returning home to coach in his hometown of Iroquois Falls in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL). Paul served as the club’s head coach and general manager for 16 seasons, winning a league championship in 2010.
Paul also proudly ran his own hockey development camp in Timmins, Ontario. When the Hockey North Hall of Fame was established earlier this year, Paul was honoured as one of the inaugural inductees.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Paul’s family, friends, and former teammates during this incredibly difficult time.