What happened to Ray Shero? Tributes pour in as former penguins general manager dies at 62

Ray Shero, the former manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, has passed away at the age of 69. His death was announced in a statement released by the Minnesota Wild, where he had been serving as an advisor to the general manager since 2021. The cause of death has not yet been revealed, but according to Hollywood Live, he was reportedly battling an unknown illness.

"Ray was a highly respected executive, enthusiastic mentor, and most importantly, tremendous friend to many during his time in New Jersey. Ray came from a family that dedicated themselves to the game, and he continued to pass that commitment on."

Ray Shero was a college-level hockey player for the St. Lawrence Saints. Although he was drafted in 1982 by the Los Angeles Kings as the 216th overall pick, he missed the 1981 draft due to a knee injury. Unfortunately, Shero never played in the NFL; however, he went on to have a prolific career as a coach and executive, starting out as an assistant general manager for the Ottawa Senators in 1993.

More about Ray Shero as tributes pour in following his death

Shero was born on July 28, 1962, to Mariette and Fred Shero. His father was a former player for the New York Rangers, who later gained recognition as the coach of the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers, winning the Stanley Cup twice.

Ray Shero, who learned the ropes of managing a team from his father, was a well-known and respected figure in the hockey community. The news of his sudden death shocked the hockey community, many of whom took to social media to share their heartfelt condolences.

Before his death, Ray Shero served as the general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins for five years, from 2006 until he was fired in 2014. He successfully led the team to win the 2009 Stanley Cup against the Detroit Red Wings.

Pitstsburgh Penguins posted on X (formerly Twitter) following the news of his death:

The Penguins organization joins the family, friends and colleagues of former Penguins General Manager Ray Shero as we mourn his passing."

After being appointed General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Ray Shero made the critical decision to sign Sidney Crosby, who is regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport. Crosby released a statement via the Pittsburgh Penguins, saying:

"Ray Shero was a big part of my early days in Pittsburgh. He gave me a lot of opportunity as a young captain and supported me throughout his time. He did so much for our organization, and my memories with him are special. I am grateful for our time spent here and that we were able to share a Stanley Cup Championship together.”

Canadian Ice hockey defenceman posted a tribute to the Hockey legend, saying:

"The hockey fraternity is the best in the world because of people like Ray Shero. Ray’s door was always open, He was kind, so funny, and wanted every player that played for him to feel valued and cared for. Ray made New Jersey home for me, and I’m super grateful for that! Sending love to the whole Shero family. Ray was one of us. He will be missed 🥹🫡❤️🙏🏿Rest up Ray🕊️"

The USA Hockey team tweeted, saying:

"Ray Shero, a longtime NHL team executive who was also a significant contributor to USA Hockey and its men’s national team program, passed away last night. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. Ray, thank you for everything."

Sports Journalist Rachel Doerrie wrote:

"Gutted to hear of Ray Shero’s passing. I learned so much from him and marvelled at his ability to pull things off. He made things happen and he made sure everyone had fun. Peace to Karen, Chris, Kyle, his many friends and colleagues. He’ll be sorely missed."

Fans, who have long watched Ray Shero guide his teams to victory, were shocked to hear news of his sudden passing.

One fan posted:

"Wow. Another gone far too soon in the hockey community. :("

Another person tweeted:

"I’m so sorry to hear of Rays passing. I always enjoyed my time with Ray, talking hockey or anything else that came up. My heart goes out to his family and friends. The hockey world has lost another special person."

"RIP Ray. Thank you for helping bring a title to Pittsburgh. Love to his family." said this fan.

This person said:

"Rest In Peace, Ray. Sending love to the Shero family. Some of my best days were spent at the old barn watching your team win the cup."

Ray Shero is survived by his wife, Karen, and his sons, Kyle and Chris, who are both amateur scouts in the NFL.