‘We have lost a great man’: Trevor Linden on Pat Quinn’s passing

WATCH ABOVE: Trevor Linden speaks to the media following the news of Pat Quinn’s death.

VANCOUVER – Trevor Linden, former hockey player and current president of hockey operations for the Vancouver Canucks, says with Pat Quinn’s passing “we have lost a great man.”

Quinn died at the age of 71 on Sunday, Nov. 23 after battling a lengthy illness.

“It’s a sad day for hockey and for everyone who loves our game,” says Linden in a statement. “On this difficult day I am thinking about Pat, his family and his friends, and how much he will be missed.”

Linden was drafted to the Vancouver Canucks in 1988 by Quinn, who was president and general manager of the team at the time. Linden says he owes so much to Quinn, both in his professional life and his personal one.

“I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for Pat,” he says. “He was a great leader and always a teacher. He taught me how to be a professional on and off the ice.

He taught me how to play hockey the right way, how to win, and about the importance of respect and loyalty.”

“Pat’s impact on our city has been immeasurable. He was responsible for bringing hockey to the forefront in Vancouver. He brought the pride back to the Canucks and today his finger prints and impact are still felt within this organization.”

Chairman, Canucks Sports and Entertainment and Governor, Francesco Aquilini, says in a statement that his thoughts are also with the Quinn family today.

“I’ll always remember Pat as a great leader. He built the Canucks teams that I cheered for as a fan and created a new generation of fans in our province,” he says. “None of us will ever forget the Stanley Cup run in 1994 or how Pat led Canada to our first men’s Olympic hockey gold in 50 years.”

“Pat meant a lot to our community. He built a new foundation for the Canucks franchise and was instrumental in helping Vancouver and the Province of British Columbia become one of the strongest hockey markets in the world.”

“I feel fortunate to have known Pat and I will miss him.”