April 20, 2016

Contributions put Burke ’77 in a league of his own

Brian Burke '77 (Photo by Jenn Pierce)
Brian Burke ’77 (Photo by Jenn Pierce)

Brian Burke ’77 might not have been a 100-point scorer or a highly-sought NHL draft choice during his four-year hockey career at Providence College.

But, he did play in 112 games for legendary coach Lou Lamoriello ’63 & ’01Hon. and went on to play professionally in the AHL.

After helping the Maine Mariners win the 1978 AHL Calder Cup Championship, Burke left the team and carved
a path that led to extraordinary success as an NHL executive. His professional hockey accomplishments and his dogged involvement in charitable causes made him an easy pick for a Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Providence College Athletics Hall of Fame in February.

Burke returned to school and attained a juris doctor degree from Harvard Law School in 1981. He worked as an NHL player agent for six years. Since 1987, he has been the general manager for five NHL franchises, helping lead the Anaheim Ducks to the Stanley Cup Championship in 2007.

He served as the executive vice president and director of hockey operations for the NHL front office from 1994-1998. He also was the GM of the 2010 U.S. Men’s Hockey Olympic Team.

Currently the director of hockey operations for the NHL’s Calgary Flames, Burke is passionate about many charitable and social causes. Foremost is You Can Play, a campaign that advocates for inclusivity in competitive sports for athletes of any sexual orientation. His other special interests include an outreach similar to You Can Play, called The Canadian Safe School Network; Special Olympics Canada; and Ducks Unlimited Canada, devoted to the preservation and restoration of wetlands. He’s also visited Canadian military personnel in Afghanistan and Kuwait several times.

Gary Bettman, NHL commissioner, said Burke is a highly respected executive. “He’s put an imprint on the league. He has a voice that resonates,” he said.