Update (10/23 8:06pm): Demers suffered an infection rather than a stroke, reports the CBC. Previous reports cited a second stroke but updated interviews revealed otherwise.
Former Montreal Canadiens head coach Jacques Demers has been hospitalized today after suffering his second stroke. He had originally experienced one on April 6th, which was followed by three months of intensive physical therapy, according to the CBC.
Demers, 72, became a head coach for the first time in 1975 in the WHA with the Indianapolis Racers, before spending time behind the bench of five different NHL clubs. He’s most likely remembered best for leading the 1992-93 Montreal Canadiens to the Stanley Cup, their last in franchise history to this point.
With over 1000 games coached in the NHL, Demers is a beloved member of the Montreal Canadiens family and has caused an outpouring of support following this latest attack. We here at PHR would also like to extend our thoughts to his family – many of us grew up watching (and hating) Demers-led clubs.