Who was Tom Kurvers and how did he die?
FORMER National Hockey League player Tom Kurvers passed away at his home on June 21, 2021, according to his family. Kurvers was serving as the Minnesota Wild assistant general manager prior to his death. Tom Kurvers, 58, was an NHL athlete and hockey mentor. He began his career as a Coyotes scout, then joined the Lightning and helped build a Stanley Cup-winning team. Kurvers was a seventh-round pick of Montreal in 1981 after his freshman season. He led the Minnesota-Duluth with 76 points to the national title during his final year in 1984 and received the Hobey Baker Award as a top player. 3 Kurvers played 11 NHL seasons for nearly a decade Credit: Getty  Throughout his career, Kurvers was traded seven times and scored 421 points in 659 regular-season NHL games. Kurvers played 11 NHL seasons for nearly a decade with various teams such as the Canadiens, Sabres, Devils, Maple Leafs, Canucks, Islanders and Mighty Ducks. He passed away from lung cancer after being diagnosed with inoperable adenocarcinoma in 2019. The hockey world was rocked upon the news of Kurvers' passing. The Wild released a statement regarding his death, saying: "Toms 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. 3 Kurvers was regarded as 'terrific' by colleagues in the league Credit: Getty  Adding: Toms kindness and enthusiasm will be greatly missed by the countless number of people on whom he had a positive influence throughout his life.  Similarly, The Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois also spoke on Kurver's passing, saying: "There are a lot of terrific people in the hockey world, but Tom stood out as the nicest, kindest and most humble. Most read in Sport Live Blog UKRAINE 0 AUSTRIA 1 Baumgartner the hero as Austrians book place in Euro 2020 last-16 OFF PAR How a US Open fan got arrested 'A BAD JOKE' Laurel Hubbard to be first transgender weightlifter to compete at Olympics CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK Jon Rahm wins US Open - but his baby boy doesn't look impressed Pictured BOLT OUT THE BLUE Usain Bolt reveals secret TWINS Thunder and Saint Leo with partner Kasi FATHER TIME Jake Paul hits out at 'sons' McGregor, Woodley and Askren in Father's Day post  He was grateful for all the good that happened in his life and was eager to give back. "He was very generous with his advice and very insightful. Adding: "I know Tom mentored many people throughout hockey, and I was privileged to be one of them.