Former New Jersey Devils coach and current Devils scout Pat Burns has worked as a professional hockey coach for over 20 years.

He survived colon cancer in 2004 and liver cancer in 2005. In January 2009, Burns was diagnosed with lung cancer.

While the prognosis is not great, Burns remains optimistic about his remaining time and intends to enjoy his days with his wife and with the team he has worked so productively with.

Burns coached three Original Six teams before leading the Devils to their 3rd Stanley Cup. He coached the Boston Bruins from 1997 to 2000 and took them to two Stanley Cup playoffs. In 1997-98 he became the first to win three Adams Awards as the league’s top coach.

The Jack Adams Trophy is presented each year by the NHL Broadcasters’ Association to “the NHL coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team’s success.”

Burns was born in St. Henri, Quebec, and traces his Irish ancestry to Co. Cork.

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