Longtime Barrie Colts coach Dale Hawerchuk has passed away from cancer.
His son Eric confirmed the news on Twitter today.
He wrote, ” After an incredibly brave and difficult battle with cancer, our dad has passed away. My family is so proud of him and the way he fought. ”
Late last month it was announced that Dale’s cancer had returned, just three months after he rant a bell to mark the end of chemotherapy at Barrie’s Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre.
Hawerchuk was originally diagnosed with stomach cancer in August 2019, prompting him to leave his coaching position with the Colts after almost a decade behind the bench.
He played in the NHL for 16 years, before retiring in 1997 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001.
After an incredibly brave and difficult battle with cancer, our dad has passed away. My family is so proud of him and the way he fought. #HawerchukStrong pic.twitter.com/xZ1xcaqAOv
— Eric Hawerchuk (@EricHawerchuk) August 18, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of our head coach and friend, Dale Hawerchuk.
On behalf of the entire Barrie Colts organization and our fans, our condolences and thoughts are with the Hawerchuk family. pic.twitter.com/nmEiGaGxXj
— Barrie Colts (@OHLBarrieColts) August 18, 2020
The #OHL family is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of @OHLBarrieColts head coach Dale Hawerchuk who has passed away at the age of 57.
IN MEMORIAM: https://t.co/vXEKr5yjo7 pic.twitter.com/YPloZsKwyO
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) August 18, 2020