If you’re even a casual fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs or the NHL in general, there is a good chance that you know who Pat Burns is.
 
The former Maple Leafs coach became an ‘A’ list celebrity in Toronto after coaching the Maple Leafs to the Western Conference finals in 1993, only to lose in seven games to Wayne Gretzky and the Los Angles Kings.
 
While 1993, and the success of the Maple Leafs might seem like ancient history, lately, there has been a overwhelming push by hockey fans all over North America to induct Burns into the hockey hall of fame as he continues to fight, what looks to be, a losing battle against lung cancer.
 
Since mid-March, over 50,000 members have joined a Toronto based Facebook group that is dedicated to getting Burns into the Hall under the “builder” category.
 
The Facebook group’s intention is to have Burns inducted into the Hall while he is still alive, something that the clock appears to be ticking on.
 
Support for the online petition has reached far and wide. Feature stories have aired on everything from Coaches Corner with Don Cherry, ESPN, Prime Time Sports with Bob McCowan to NHL.Com and the Montreal Gazette.
 
When analyzing the case for Burns to be elected into the Hall, the numbers speak for themselves:
(*Special thanks to TSN.ca)
 
- During Burns’ coaching career, he spent 1,019 total games behind the bench for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils, winning a Stanley Cup in 2003 with the Devils.
 
- He won the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year three times, the only coach in league history to achieve this feat.
 
- His career record was 501-350-175.
 
While Burns would very possibly be a Hall of Fame inductee in the future, the concept behind the Facebook campaign is to see him put in the Hall before he passes on.
 
Exercise Toronto wishes to extend its support to a Toronto sports icon and this online petition.
 
To offer your support or join the Facebook group, please visit:
www.PatBurns.ca
 
 
Exercise Toronto Staff