END OF AN ERA: Hockey Icon Glen Sather Tragically Passes Away at 81 After Battling Illness
The hockey world is in mourning following the heartbreaking news that Glen Sather, one of the sport’s most legendary figures, has passed away at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness.
Sather, who leaves behind an indelible mark on the game, was best known for his time as head coach and later general manager of the Edmonton Oilers during their dynasty years in the 1980s. Under his leadership, the Oilers captured five Stanley Cups and revolutionized the game with their high-octane, offense-first approach led by legends such as Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Paul Coffey.
More than just a coach or executive, Sather was a visionary. His keen eye for talent and commitment to innovation helped shape modern hockey. After his tenure in Edmonton, he joined the New York Rangers as president and general manager, further solidifying his reputation as one of the NHL’s greatest builders.
Tributes have poured in from around the globe, with current and former players, coaches, and fans expressing their sorrow and celebrating Sather’s monumental legacy. Wayne Gretzky, who has often referred to Sather as a mentor and father figure, called the loss “devastating” and said, “The game of hockey would not be what it is today without Glen.”
Sather’s contributions to the game earned him a well-deserved place in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997 as a builder.
As we bid farewell to a true giant of the sport, the hockey community honors a man whose influence will be felt for generations. Glen Sather was more than a leader—he was the architect of greatness. Rest in pe
ace, Slats.
