Longtime Barrie Colts Head Coach Dale Hawerchuk passes away at age 57

Hockey Hall of Famer Dale Hawerchuk has died after battle with stomach cancer. He was 57. The news was confirmed on Tuesday by his son, Eric, as well as by the Barrie Colts

After an incredibly brave and difficult battle with cancer, our dad has passed away. My family is so proud of him and the way he fought. #HawerchukStrong pic.twitter.com/xZ1xcaqAOv

— Eric Hawerchuk (@EricHawerchuk) August 18, 2020

Hawerchuk stepped away from his coaching duties in 2019 after his initial diagnosis with stomach cancer. He completed his chemotherapy treatments in April of 2020, but his family confirmed that he was back in his fight against cancer less than a month ago.

RELATED: Barrie Colts Head Coach Dale Hawerchuk back in his fight against cancer

Hawerchuk was drafted first overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 1981, and went on to a storied NHL career from there. Hawerchuk played in over 1000 games in 16 NHL seasons with the Jets, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia Flyers. He finished his career 518 goals and 891 assists. His 1,409 points are 20th all-time in National Hockey League history. Hawerchuk also won gold medals for Canada at the Canada Cup in both 1987 and 1991. He was inducted in to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001.

The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club, our players, our alumni, and our fans will miss Dale Hawerchuk dearly, and we will forever be inspired by his passion for the game, his commitment to his team, and his love for our community. #RememberingDucky #HawerchukStrong pic.twitter.com/Vgj78TsSco

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) August 18, 2020

Hawerchuk joined the Barrie Colts behind the bench in 2010, making him the longest serving head coach in franchise history. Hawerchuk led the Colts to four division titles and a trip to the OHL finals in 2013.

Hawerchuk leaves behind his wife, Crystal, and 3 children, Eric, Ben and Alexis.