Pat Quinn passes

It has been learned that Pat Quinn, the former coach of the Vancouver Canucks, Team Canada, and part-owner of the Vancouver Giants junior hockey club has passed away.

He was 71.

The Vancouver Giants, on behalf of his family, confirmed that he died Sunday night at Vancouver General Hospital after a long illness.

"Words cannot express the pain we all feel today for the Quinn family," said Giants majority owner Ron Toigo in the post.

"Pat was an inspiration to all of us. He always said that respect was something that should be earned, not given, and the respect that he garnered throughout the hockey world speaks for itself. He will be sorely missed."

Quinn began his coaching career with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1978 and guided them to the Stanley Cup finals the following season. Quinn also took the Canucks to the finals during the 1993-94 season, losing in seven games to the New York Rangers. His last coaching appearance in the NHL was with the Edmonton Oilers in 2009.

Quinn also led Team Canada to the gold medal at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Those wishing to send messages of condolence are asked to either email [email protected] or send mail to the Giants’ offices at the address listed below.

Pat Quinn

Vancouver Giants

100 North Renfrew Street

Vancouver, BC

V5K 3N7

Photo: The Canadian Press

Pat Quinn walks past former members of the Vancouver Canucks before the NHL Heritage Classic hockey game between the Canucks and the Ottawa Senators in Vancouver, British Columbia,, on Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward)