The Colorado Avalanche organization announced Thursday, October 8, 2026, that former NHL player Myles O’Connor
Sudden Passing of Former NHL Defenseman
The Colorado Avalanche organization announced Thursday, October 8, 2026, that former NHL player Myles O’Connor passed away suddenly at the age of 59 in Calgary. Following the announcement, his son, Avalanche forward Logan O’Connor, stepped away from the team prior to Thursday’s game against the Calgary Flames to be with his family during this period of grief. Officials with the Colorado Avalanche and the NHL Players’ Association released formal statements offering support and condolences to the O’Connor family.
Professional Athletics and Retail Leadership
Selected in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils, O’Connor starred at the University of Michigan before completing an eight-year professional hockey career as a defenseman for the Devils, the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, and teams in the AHL, IHL, and Japan Ice Hockey League. Following his retirement from professional sports in 1998, O’Connor returned to Calgary to manage O’Connors, a multi-generational independent men’s clothing store established by his family in 1958. Under his direction, the business expanded into one of Western Canada’s premier independent retail institutions.
Community Support and Memorial Services
Tributes have poured in across Calgary and the sports community celebrating O’Connor’s contributions to Canadian sports and local enterprise. Former teammates, business partners, and hockey fans continue to extend support to the O’Connor family, including his son Logan, who won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022. Details regarding formal visitation hours, public celebration-of-life services, and family arrangements will be announced by family representatives and local funeral coordinators once plans are finalized
