The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to hold a moment of silence in honour of Canadian icon and Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie before Wednesday night’s game against the Detroit Red Wings.
Downie died Tuesday night after battling glioblastoma, an incurable form of brain cancer. He was at 53.
With Downie as the lyricist, The Hip have written several songs about hockey or with hockey references, including “Fifty-Mission Cap”, “Fireworks”, “The Lonely End Of The Rink” and “Heaven Is A Better Place Today”, a tribute to late Atlanta Thrashers forward Dan Snyder. Downie’s godfather is former Boston Bruins general manager and coach Harry Sinden.
Downie’s cancer diagnosis was announced in May 2016. He and the band then embarked on a cross-country tour, culminating with a nationally televised show in their hometown of Kingston, Ont. Downie then released a solo album, Secret Path, to raise money and awareness for reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous Peoples. He was appointed to the Order of Canada in June.
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