Ken Hitchcock, Former Dallas Stars Head Coach, Dies at 73….due to….read more….

Ken Hitchcock, Former Dallas Stars Head Coach, Dies at 73….due to….read more….

Dallas, TX – April 21, 2025 — The hockey world is mourning the loss of one of its most accomplished and respected figures, as Ken Hitchcock, former head coach of the Dallas Stars, has passed away at the age of 73. Hitchcock, who made an indelible mark on the NHL over his decades-long career, died peacefully on April 21, 2025, surrounded by family in his home in Calgary, Alberta. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Hitchcock was a towering figure in the world of professional hockey, known for his disciplined, defense-first style of coaching. Over the course of his career, he became one of the most successful and respected coaches in NHL history, guiding multiple teams to the playoffs and winning the ultimate prize — the Stanley Cup — with the Dallas Stars in 1999.

A Storied Coaching Career

Ken Hitchcock’s journey to NHL greatness began in his native Canada, where he honed his coaching craft before making the leap to the NHL. After coaching in various junior leagues, including the Western Hockey League, Hitchcock landed his first NHL head coaching job with the Dallas Stars in 1996. At the time, the Stars were a team on the rise, and Hitchcock’s arrival proved to be the spark they needed to become an elite force in the league.

In 1999, Hitchcock’s leadership came to fruition when he guided the Stars to their first Stanley Cup championship. Under his guidance, the team became known for its suffocating defense, led by legendary goaltender Ed Belfour and a physical, hard-nosed playing style. The 1999 victory, which came in a thrilling seven-game series against the Buffalo Sabres, remains one of the most iconic moments in franchise history.

Hitchcock’s influence on the Stars’ culture extended beyond their 1999 championship. His attention to detail, commitment to defensive systems, and ability to extract the best performances from his players helped turn the Stars into one of the most consistent and respected teams of the late 1990s and early 2000s. He left the Stars in 2002 after guiding them to multiple playoff appearances, but his legacy in Dallas remained cemented for years to come.

A Coaching Icon Across the NHL

While Hitchcock is best remembered for his time in Dallas, his coaching career extended far beyond the Stars. He went on to coach several other NHL teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, St. Louis Blues, and Edmonton Oilers. Throughout his career, Hitchcock’s teams were consistently competitive, and he became known as one of the most experienced and strategic minds in the league.

Hitchcock’s defensive approach earned him accolades from players and coaches alike. His teams were often characterized by a balanced style of play, where defense was prioritized without sacrificing offensive production. He was particularly adept at getting the best out of his goaltenders, fostering an environment where the defensemen played with a sense of responsibility and structure. Hitchcock’s reputation as a tough but fair coach resonated deeply within the hockey community.

In 2018, Hitchcock was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in recognition of his remarkable coaching career. His 849 career wins made him one of the winningest coaches in NHL history, placing him among the elite in the sport. Hitchcock’s impact on the game was profound, and his legacy will continue to influence generations of coaches and players.

Tributes from Across the Hockey World

Following news of Hitchcock’s passing, tributes from the NHL and beyond poured in. The Dallas Stars released a statement expressing their deep sorrow at the loss of their former head coach. “Ken Hitchcock was a giant in the world of hockey and an integral part of the Dallas Stars’ history,” the team’s statement read. “His leadership and success with the Stars, including the 1999 Stanley Cup, will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Stars players from the championship team, including Mike Modano, Jere Lehtinen, and Brett Hull, also expressed their sadness and gratitude for Hitchcock’s guidance. Modano, who played under Hitchcock during the team’s Stanley Cup run, took to social media to share his memories. “Ken was a coach who made us all better, not just as players but as people,” Modano wrote. “He pushed us, believed in us, and led us to greatness. I will always be thankful for his leadership and friendship.”

Current and former players from other teams also paid tribute to Hitchcock, praising his contributions to the game. Wayne Gretzky, the NHL’s all-time leading scorer, called Hitchcock “one of the best minds the game has ever seen,” while Sidney Crosby, the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, shared his thoughts on Twitter, calling Hitchcock “a true legend who shaped the game in ways that will last forever.”

A Family Man and Mentor

Outside of hockey, Hitchcock was known for his warmth, mentorship, and dedication to his family. His son, Andrew Hitchcock, shared a heartfelt statement on behalf of the family. “My father was more than a coach to me. He was my mentor, my role model, and my best friend. His love for the game was matched only by his love for his family. We will miss him dearly.”

Hitchcock’s family and friends remember him as a man who had an unmatched passion for the sport but never lost sight of what truly mattered—his loved ones. In his retirement years, Hitchcock was often seen at family gatherings, sharing stories from his career and offering advice to young aspiring coaches.

A Lasting Legacy

Ken Hitchcock’s passing marks the end of an era in the world of professional hockey. His impact on the game, his teams, and the players he mentored will never be forgotten. As the hockey community reflects on his extraordinary contributions, Hitchcock’s legacy will remain a guiding light for future generations of coaches and players.

Funeral arrangements for Hitchcock are expected to be announced in the coming days. The NHL and the Dallas Stars are planning a special tribute to honor his life and career.