The hockey world is mourning the passing of Ottawa Senators and Belleville Senators owner Eugene Melnyk.

The Ottawa Senators announced Monday night Melnyk died at the age of 62 following an illness 'he faced with determination and courage.'

Melnyk was the owner, governor and chairman of the Ottawa Senators and Belleville Senators of the American Hockey League. Melnyk was instrumental in bringing hockey back to Belleville in 2016 with the Senators playing their first season in 2017 at the CAA arena.

"The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "The words 'passion' and 'commitment' define the man who has owned the Ottawa Senators since 2003. Whether it was in the boardroom with his fellow governors, at the rink with his beloved Senators or in the community with his philanthropy, he cared deeply about the game, about his team and about bettering the lives of those in need, particularly underserved children, organ donation and, most recently, with his commitment to his parents' home country of Ukraine."

While successful in business, it was the game and his Senators that he was most passionate about, Bettman said.

"Eugene was often outspoken, but he maintained an unwavering commitment to the game and his roots and he loved nothing more than donning a Senators sweater and cheering on his beloved team." he stated.  "On behalf of the entire National Hockey League, I extend my deepest sympathies to Eugene's daughters, Anna and Olivia, his extended family, and all those who benefited from his generosity."

"It is with great sadness that the family of Eugene Melnyk and the Ottawa Senators hockey organization announce his passing on March 28, 2022 after an illness he faced with determination and courage," the Senators wrote on their website.

The cause of death was not immediately known.

In 2015, Melnyk had a liver transplant at the Toronto General Hospital. He was reportedly mere days away from death before a suitable donor was found.

Melnyk established Capital Sports & Entertainment in 2003. The company and its affiliates also own and operate Canadian Tire Centre and manage Sensplex properties in Ottawa. Under his ownership, the Senators advanced to the 2007 Stanley Cup Final, losing to the Anaheim Ducks in five games, and the Eastern Conference Final in 2017, losing in seven games to the Pittsburgh Penguins.