PREMIER Christy Clark released the following statement Monday on the death of Pat Quinn:

“I was deeply saddened this morning to learn that Pat Quinn had passed away. British Columbians knew him best as one of the finest players, coaches and leaders the NHL has ever produced. Not only was he was an original Canuck, but he went on to lead the Canucks to within a game of the Stanley Cup in 1994, and will forever be remembered for coaching Team Canada to its first Olympic gold medal in 50 years.

“Pat was a big man with a bigger heart whose legacy will live on for generations, in the hockey world and beyond. His approach to his illness was the same as his approach to hockey: a challenge he met head on.

“My thoughts and prayers, like so many of yours, are with his family and friends.”