(Calgary) Calgary Flames assistant general manager Chris Snow has died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Snow, 42, was diagnosed with ALS in 2019, a degenerative disease of the nervous system that affects brain cells and the spinal cord and leads to a loss of muscle control.
Snow’s wife, Kelsie, confirmed her husband’s death Saturday.
Snow’s father, two uncles and a cousin also died from the disease.
The couple met when both were sports editors for the Boston Globe, in Snow’s hometown. They married in 2007 and have two children, Cohen and Willa.
Even after his diagnosis, Snow continued his work with the Flames organization. He participated in clinical trials involving a spinal injection every four weeks and lived well beyond the 12-month prognosis he was given.
“You never saw him complain about his case and what he was going through,” said Flames head coach Ryan Huska. He continued to do his job as best he could, every day. »
Gary Bettman reacts
“The National Hockey League family is deeply saddened by the passing of Chris Snow, a remarkable man whose courageous and tireless fight against ALS was an inspiration to so many,” said Commissioner Gary Bettman.
“An innovative student of our sport with expertise in data analytics, Chris oversaw the creation and development of the Flames’ analytics department and was influential in all facets of decision-making for the club’s hockey operations. But above all, he was the beloved husband of Kelsie, the devoted father of Cohen and Willa, and a friend to all those in the hockey world who were lucky enough to meet him.
“The Snows’ willingness to share the trials and triumphs of Chris’ long journey with ALS has inspired so many people and profoundly increased awareness of the need to find a cure for this debilitating disease. The NHL extends its deepest condolences to the Snow family, the Calgary Flames organization and all those who were touched by this special person. »
Good words from Jeff Gorton
“On behalf of myself, Kent, Martin and the entire Canadiens organization, we would like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family of Chris Snow. Despite the many pitfalls that presented themselves on his path, Chris never ceased to demonstrate enormous courage. Chris is a source of inspiration to many people across the NHL, having never given up in his fight against ALS. Our thoughts are with his wife Kelsie, his children Cohen and Willa, his family, as well as the entire Calgary Flames organization. »