Wayne Fleming dies: Assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Lighting National Hockey League (NHL) team, Wayne Fleming, died of brain cancer on March 25 at the age of 62.
Wayne Fleming, 62, was diagnosed with brain cancer while working as an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning NHL team in 2011. He died at his home in Calgary, in the province of Alberta, Canada, on Monday.
Fleming had been head coach to some European hockey teams, including Sweden and Germany. He was the general manager of Canada’s 1992 Olympic hockey team, and worked as an assistant coach for the Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, and Calgary Flames before working for Tampa Bay Lightning.
His long-time friend, St. Louis Blues coach Ken Hitchcock, reminisced about time spent with Fleming in an interview with the Edmonton Journal: “Wayne always had people who wanted his time, either from the other organization through Wayne’s relationship with Hockey Canada or they just wanted to visit with Wayne.”
“Every person from every ice hockey federation wanted to seek his advice and knowledge,” Hitchcock said.
Nashville Predators boss Barry Trotz visited Fleming while he was sick. Fleming had coached Trotz when Trotz was a defenceman for the University of Manitoba Bisons.
Trotz told the Edmonton Journal: “He gave them some structure. He was able to balance the emotions. He knew everything about Xs and Os, but what he really knew was how to handle people under pressure.”
Fleming was fairly unresponsive during the visit, but his wife, Carolyn, told Trotz that Fleming was aware when he had visitors. Trotz said the only time Fleming responded was when the Tampa Lightning team was mentioned.
Some Lighting players tweeted their condolences following Fleming’s death.
Steven Stamkos wrote: “Thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Fleming family. Wayne was a great coach and even better man.”
Victor Hedman wrote: “Thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Fleming family. Wayne was a great coach but an even better person. He will be missed deeply.”
Nathan Thompson wrote: “It was an honor to know and play for Wayne Fleming. My deepest condolences go out to his whole family.”
Fleming is survived by his wife, Carolyn, and four children.
