Hall of Fame Professional Hockey Coach. For fourteen seasons (1988 to 1996, 1997 to 2001, 2002 to 2004), he served as a head coach in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils. He was a three-time recipient of the Jack Adams Award (1989 with Montreal, 1993 with Toronto and 1998 with Boston). Born in Saint-Henri, Quebec, he served as a police officer in Gatineau, Quebec, before beginning his hockey career. His first coaching assignment was as head coach with the Hull Olympiques of the QMJHL (1984 to 1987); he guided them to an appearance in the Memorial Cup in 1986. After a one season stint with the Sherbrooke Canadiens of the AHL (1987 to 1988), Burns was promoted to the NHL level as head coach of the Montreal Canadiens in 1988; they would compile a 53 win 18 loss and 9 tie record under his guidance, and reach the 1988-1989 Stanley Cup Finals. Under Burns leadership, the New Jersey Devils captured the 2002-2003 Stanley Cup Title. He compiled a 501 win 353 loss, and 165 tie career regular season record. From 2005 until his death, Burns remained with the Devils' organizations, serving on their coaching staff. Just prior to his death following a lengthy battle with cancer, there was a large movement for Burns' election to the Hockey Hall of Fame. In 2014, he was posthumously inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Hall of Fame Professional Hockey Coach. For fourteen seasons (1988 to 1996, 1997 to 2001, 2002 to 2004), he served as a head coach in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils. He was a three-time recipient of the Jack Adams Award (1989 with Montreal, 1993 with Toronto and 1998 with Boston). Born in Saint-Henri, Quebec, he served as a police officer in Gatineau, Quebec, before beginning his hockey career. His first coaching assignment was as head coach with the Hull Olympiques of the QMJHL (1984 to 1987); he guided them to an appearance in the Memorial Cup in 1986. After a one season stint with the Sherbrooke Canadiens of the AHL (1987 to 1988), Burns was promoted to the NHL level as head coach of the Montreal Canadiens in 1988; they would compile a 53 win 18 loss and 9 tie record under his guidance, and reach the 1988-1989 Stanley Cup Finals. Under Burns leadership, the New Jersey Devils captured the 2002-2003 Stanley Cup Title. He compiled a 501 win 353 loss, and 165 tie career regular season record. From 2005 until his death, Burns remained with the Devils' organizations, serving on their coaching staff. Just prior to his death following a lengthy battle with cancer, there was a large movement for Burns' election to the Hockey Hall of Fame. In 2014, he was posthumously inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Bio by: C.S.
Gravesite Details
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