Unfortunately, the top player for thest louis blues has been confirmed dead
Former St. Louis Blues owner Mike Shanahan, who led the team through colorful and tumultuous times in the late 1980s and early 1990s, died Monday. He was 78.
“The St. Louis Blues organization is saddened to learn of the passing of former Blues chairman Mike Shanahan,” team owner Tom Stillman said in a statement released Monday night.
“Mr. Shanahan set a shining example of leadership both on and off the ice. He captivated Blues fans and made an immeasurable impact on the organization. He will forever be remembered for his passion for the Blues, his engaging personality and his acquisition of Brett Hull. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Shanahan family, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.”
The cause of death has not been announced.
Shanahan became general partner, chairman and governor for the Blues in 1986 when Harry Ornest sold the team and the St. Louis Arena for $31 million to a group of local investors headed by Shanahan. In 1991, investors bought Shanahan out but retained him as team chairman. Four years later, in 1995, he was ousted by the ownership group known as the Kiel Center Partners.
Shanahan was a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and the Saint Louis University Hall of Fame. At Saint Louis University, he was part of national championship Billikens soccer teams in 1959 and 1960.
Later Monday night, Brett Hull — who was acquired by Shanahan’s Blues in 1987 and went on to set franchise scoring records and win the NHL’s MVP award in 1991 — offered his condolences on his certified Twitter account:
“Mr. Shanahan was a very special man. I looked up to and respected Mr. Shanahan in all aspects of life. He made people better, and I know I am better having known him! God bless you and the entire Shanahan family.”
Another Blues Hall of Famer, Bernie Federko, spent three seasons with the Blues near the end of his career at a time when Shanahan owned the club.
“This is a sad day for St. Louis,” Federko said in a statement released by the Blues. “Mr. Shanahan had that incredible personality that touched everyone he ever met. It was under his ownership that the Blues reconnected with all our great fans.”
And yet another Blues Hall of Famer, Al MacInnis, also sent out his condolences:
“Mr. Shanahan brought me to St Louis, and I will forever be grateful to him. We have made STL our home and raised our kids here, all because of his approval. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Shanahan family at this time.”
