Former Red Wings player Shawn Burr died at 7 p.m. ET on Monday after falling in his home earlier in the day.
Burr had been battling acute myeloid leukemia, known also as AML, since February of 2011. As a result of his diagnosis, Burr used the Shawn Burr Foundation to help raise awareness for the disease. Burr had founded the foundation back on July 1st, 2000. The foundation was initially setup to raise money for youth charities in St. Clair County, however, its purpose changed after Burr’s diagnosis. It was the foundations leader, Dave Goetze, that notified the world of Burr’s passing.
Burr was drafted 7th overall by the Red Wings in the 1984 NHL Entry-Draft. During the first few years of his career, Burr split time in the AHL, NHL and OHL. This included a 127 point season with the Kitchener Rangers in 1985. Beginning with the 1986-87 season Burr was a regular with the Wings.
Shawn Burr would end up staying with Detroit until the 1995-96 season when he joined the Tampa Bay Lightning. After a stint with the San Jose Sharks and a short return with the Lightning in the 1999-00 season, Burr would retire from the NHL. During the latter parts of that season Burr would play 10 games for the Detroit Vipers in the IHL. He also played 18 games with the IHL’s Manitoba Moose.
Burr never won a Stanley Cup but was a part of the Red Wings team that made it to the Finals in 1995. His best season points-wise with the Wings was the 1989-90 season when he played 76 games and recorded a career-high 56 points of which 24 of them were goals. That was also a career-high.
Burr was a fan-favorite among Red Wings fans. His positive attitude and willingness to talk made him a man that was adored by fans and teammates alike.
Thanks to early detection and great work by the doctors, Burr’s cancer was reportedly gone. However, the cancer returned not too much later.
Here is a video on Burr’s story:
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”//www.youtube.com/embed/VrcODuZMCUo” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>
Burr leaves behind him a wife and two daughters.
Rest in peace Shawn.
Updates regarding Burr’s passing will be in today’s Quick Hits.
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