Former Ottawa Senators assistant coach Bob Jones has died after a battle with ALS, according to the team.
He was 54.
Jones was diagnosed with ALS, a neurological disorder also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in December 2022.
He disclosed his diagnosis a month later and became a vocal advocate for ALS research and awareness, while continuing to coach the team into the 2023-24 season.
The disease causes gradual paralysis and eventually complete loss of muscle control — including the ability to walk, talk, and breathe.
By the time Jones joined the Senators in 2019, the Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., native already had an established career in the Ontario Hockey League, having coached in various capacities over more than two decades.
Jones was the assistant coach for the Windsor Spitfires when the team won the OHL championship in both 2008-09 and 2009-10.
“For both our current players and for the members of our staff who had the privilege of working with Bob, his loss brings considerable sorrow,” Senators owner Michael Andlauer said in a press release.
“Bob will be fondly remembered for having a true joy for life and for his determined commitment to routinely help better individual players and all hockey organizations for which he worked.”
Jones is survived by his wife, Paige, and their two children, Blake and Brianna. Funeral arrangements were not announced.