Minnesota hockey hero Tom Kurvers dies at age 58
Tom Kurvers, the assistant general manager for the Minnesota Wild, has died at age 58, according to reports.
Kurvers, a native of Bloomington, had been battling lung cancer since about January 2019. The Minnesota Wild said he died Monday morning.
"Tom's passion for and success in hockey could only be surpassed by the love and optimism he shared with his family and friends each and every day," the Wild said in a statement about the father of four. "Tom's kindness and enthusiasm will be greatly missed by the countless number of people on whom he had a positive influence throughout his life."
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) June 21, 2021
Kurvers has a lengthy hockey career, including leading Bloomington Jefferson to its first-ever state tournament appearance, and winning the 1984 Hobey Baker award as a defenseman for the University of Minnesota Duluth. During his time as a Bulldog, held the career record for most goals by a UMD defenseman (he had 43) from 1980-1984, was named Rookie of the Year in 1981, was the WCHA’s Most Valuable Player, WCHA All-Academic, and all-WCHA first team.
A sad day for Bulldog Hockey as we have lost one of the all time greats, not only as a player but also a person. TK was the epitome of a class act. You will be deeply missed TK. @ Duluth, Minnesota https://t.co/24plRO5j6b
— UMD Men's Hockey (@UMDMensHockey) June 21, 2021
He helped lead the Bulldogs to their first WCHA regular-season title and their second-place finish in the NCAA championship.
Kurvers was drafted 145th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1981 NHL entry draft, launching his NHL career that spanned 11 years on seven different teams (Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, New York Islanders and Anaheim Mighty Ducks), including winning the Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1986.
The Minnesota native returned in 2018 when he was named as the Wild's assistant general manager. Less than a year later, he was diagnosed with lung cancer.
As news of his death spread on social media Monday morning, many are paying tribute to Kurvers, remembering him as someone who was great on the ice, but even better off it.
"We join the State of Hockey in mourning the loss of a great hockey player and an even better person," the Wild said.
Very sad to hear of the passing of Tom Kurvers. We battled hard against each on the ice and later became friends off the ice! He was great on the ice but to all who know or knew him he was even better off the ice! RIP TK
— Pat Micheletti (@patmick2626) June 21, 2021
It’s with a very heavy heart I start today after learning of the passing of not only a great @UMDMensHockey but @ArizonaCoyotes executive and a friend of 30 years TOM KURVERS! God just added a great defenseman and better person to his lineup! pic.twitter.com/eHfZDPLDlN
— Ice Time Hockey West (@icetimesw) June 21, 2021
Seeing reports that Bloomington native Tom Kurvers, who won the 1984 Hobey Baker Award, played for seven NHL teams and was an assistant GM with the @mnwild has died at 58 after battling lung cancer. Sad day in the State of Hockey. pic.twitter.com/ancQqKgXlq
— Jess Myers (@JessRMyers) June 21, 2021
“I always thought if my sons grew up to be like Tom Kurvers, I would be a successful dad. He meant that much to me as a player on our team." - Mike Sertich
— Matt Wellens (@mattwellens) June 21, 2021
We used to joke about our friendship and that it really boiled down to one thing, "the music." In the end, it was a pretty cool foundation to have. The world was better with Tom Kurvers in it. Godspeed, my friend. This one's for you. https://t.co/lFE0pomeF6 pic.twitter.com/OyhmpzWVwS
— Todd Walsh (@ToddWalsh) June 21, 2021
Won't meet a better guy than Tom Kurvers. Sending TK lots of love.
— Shawn Simpson (@SimmerDownCIH) June 21, 2021
Saddened to hear the passing of #mnwild assistant GM Tom Kurvers. #RIP
— Derek Felska (@CreaseAndAssist) June 21, 2021
Tom Kurvers mentioned on tonight’s #nbcsports broadcast. He is truly one of the greatest people in the #NHL. #keepupthefight #pearljam
— Jonathan Bates (@Batesy523) June 20, 2021
