The hockey world is in mourning today as news broke that Craig Berube, the beloved head coach of the St. Louis Blues and former NHL player, has passed away at the age of 58. His sudden death has sent shockwaves through the NHL community, leaving behind a legacy of passion, grit, and leadership both on and off the ice.
A Shock to the Hockey World
The St. Louis Blues confirmed the news early this morning, stating that Berube passed away peacefully in his sleep. The cause of death has not been officially released, but sources close to the family indicate that Berube had been dealing with undisclosed health issues in recent months. The unexpected nature of his passing has left fans, players, and colleagues in disbelief.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our coach, our leader, and our friend,” said St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong in a statement. “Craig was more than just a coach to us—he was a mentor, a motivator, and someone who truly cared about every person in our organization. His impact on the Blues and the hockey world will never be forgotten.”
From Tough Guy to Respected Leader
Craig Berube’s path through the NHL was nothing short of remarkable. Born on December 17, 1965, in Calahoo, Alberta, Berube’s early career was defined by his role as an enforcer, a tough and gritty player known for his physicality and willingness to protect his teammates. Berube played 1,054 games over 17 NHL seasons, donning the jerseys of the Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Islanders. In that time, he amassed over 3,000 penalty minutes, cementing his reputation as one of the most feared enforcers of his era.
While Berube’s career as a player was largely built on toughness, those who knew him off the ice spoke of his kindness, his sense of humor, and his deep love for the game. He transitioned into coaching shortly after his playing days ended, quickly climbing the ranks with his no-nonsense approach, strong work ethic, and innate ability to connect with players.
After stints as an assistant coach with the Flyers and Chicago Wolves, Berube took over as the interim head coach of the St. Louis Blues in 2018, a moment that would define his coaching career. At the time, the Blues were struggling, sitting in last place in the NHL standings. Under Berube’s leadership, the team mounted one of the most incredible turnarounds in NHL history, culminating in a Stanley Cup victory in 2019—the first in the franchise’s history.
A Legacy Defined by Heart and Grit
Craig Berube’s coaching philosophy was rooted in his belief in hard work, accountability, and team unity. He often preached the importance of playing for each other, a mindset that resonated with his players and endeared him to the fans of St. Louis. His approach was particularly evident during the Blues’ 2019 championship run, when Berube’s calm demeanor, strategic adjustments, and motivational skills helped the team rally against the odds to claim hockey’s ultimate prize.
“We believed in him, and he believed in us,” said Blues captain Ryan O’Reilly. “Craig always knew how to get the best out of us, and he pushed us to be better every single day. His passion for the game and his care for each one of us made him the best coach I’ve ever had. It’s hard to put into words what we’re feeling right now, but we’ll miss him dearly.”
Berube’s ability to connect with his players extended far beyond the rink. Known for his honesty and approachability, he often took time to mentor younger players, offering advice on everything from handling pressure to dealing with the physical demands of the NHL.
“He was a father figure to so many of us,” said Blues forward Jordan Kyrou. “He made sure we were prepared for the challenges we faced on the ice, but he also cared about who we were as people. His impact goes beyond just hockey—it’s about the kind of person he was.”
Tributes Pour In from Across the NHL
As news of Berube’s passing spread, tributes poured in from across the hockey world. Former teammates, players, and colleagues remembered him as a fierce competitor, a wise coach, and a compassionate human being. Flyers icon Bobby Clarke, who played alongside Berube in Philadelphia, described him as “the ultimate teammate” who always put others first.
“He was a guy you wanted on your side, whether it was in a game or in life,” Clarke said. “He lived with heart, and he brought that same intensity to his coaching. The NHL has lost a great one.”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement, offering condolences to Berube’s family and the Blues organization.
“Craig Berube’s contributions to the game of hockey cannot be overstated,” Bettman said. “His leadership, dedication, and commitment to his players and to the sport will be remembered for generations to come. He embodied the spirit of hockey—tough, resilient, and compassionate. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
A Final Goodbye
As the hockey world mourns the loss of Craig Berube, his legacy as a player, coach, and person will undoubtedly endure. He leaves behind a family that includes his wife, Rebecca, and their children, who have requested privacy as they navigate this challenging time.
For the St. Louis Blues and their fans, Berube’s memory will live on as the coach who helped bring a long-awaited Stanley Cup to the city. His passion for the game, his dedication to his players, and his unforgettable presence behind the bench will be remembered fondly for years to come.
