Former Sens VP Jeff Kyle, instrumental in bringing team to Ottawa, dies at 62
Many in Ottawa are mourning the loss of community builder and business leader Jeff Kyle, who played an instrumental part in bringing the Ottawa Senators to the capital.
- Sign up now for our daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Kyle passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer, the team announced Saturday.
Originally from Brockville, Ont. Kyle came to the capital with big dreams. He was part of a team of local business leaders who spearheaded the successful bid to bring NHL hockey back to Ottawa in 1990.
Kyle remained with the Ottawa Senators for over 20 years, building a brand that is now integral to the city.
The team's former vice-president of marketing battled glioblastoma – the same brain cancer that took the life of Canadian singer-songwriter Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip.
Last November, Kyle was honoured by the Ottawa Senators during Hockey Fights Cancer Night.
"I remember Jeff as a young man when he first came to work for us. He was handsome, good looking, skilled but above all, he and a good heart," said Ottawa Senators founder Bruce Firestone on Saturday.
Diagnosed in January 2023, Kyle had been undergoing treatment and surgery. He was told he had 12 to 18 months to live, but was determined to do whatever he could to stay active and healthy.
"Both as a husband, father and as a friend, he saved my life. He’s going to be missed by me and many others. He brought small town values to the team and to the community," Firestone said.
Kyle was 62 years old.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Toronto eliminated from PWHL playoffs
Toronto has been eliminated from the PWHL playoffs.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.