Devils honor Burns

Associated Press

MONTREAL

Pat Burns, who coached the New Jersey Devils to the 2003 Stanley Cup title, was remembered Monday for his booming voice, big heart and the ability to draw the most out of his players.

Players, coaches and executives from across hockey gathered for his funeral, where a flame near the altar flickered above a miniature Stanley Cup. Burns died of cancer this month at 58.

The entire roster of the Devils was on hand for the afternoon service, honoring the police officer-turned-hockey coach who also had successful runs in Montreal, Toronto and Boston before coming to the Devils.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Quebec Premier Jean Charest were joined by Raymond Bourque, Patrick Roy, Tie Domi, Luc Robitaille and Toronto Maple Leafs executives Brian Burke and Cliff Fletcher at the Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, a scaled-down replica of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Burns’ wife, Line, and children Jason and Maureen received condolences beforehand. Guests shared memories of Burns before entering the church.

“His bark sometimes was a little louder than his bite, but he could actually bark pretty loud. But he could also have the other side, that was understanding and supportive,” said Bourque, the great Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche defenseman. “He was fun to play for. I really loved him and he was the best defensive coach I’ve ever had.”