The Ottawa Senators announced today that former coach Bob Jones has passed away after a hard fought battle with ALS. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative condition that causes the brain to lose control of the bodies muscles over time. It is often very aggressive, with just 20% of patients surviving more than 5 years after diagnosis. Jones announced his diagnosis in January of 2023. <q>We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Assistant Coach Bob Jones after his battle with ALS. Our condolences to his wife Paige, children Blake and Brianna as well as all those he influenced across his nearly 30 year coaching career.</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Senators/status/1816960328208445618'> </a></blockquote></div> Jones' death has had a wide felt impact throughout the hockey world. Fans, coaches, players, and media members gathered together online to pay their respects to Jones and his family. <q>I had the pleasure knowing him and playing hockey in the Soo with him. Such a great funny person. RIP Jonesy</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/glovey26/status/1816962440887681453'> </a></blockquote></div> It is quite clear that Jones was a beloved man based on the response from around the hockey world. The Ontario Hockey League honored the Sault. St. Marie native by posting about his accomplishments in the league before he made the show. Jones won two Memorial cup titles in his career. <q>The #OHL is saddened by news of the loss of former two-time Memorial Cup champion coach and past defenceman Bob Jones, who passed away on Friday at the age of 54 following a battle with ALS.</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/OHLHockey/status/1816968146005245973'> </a></blockquote></div> The NHL coaches' association also made sure to pay their respects to Jones. He was an assistant coach for the Ottawa Senators for five seasons after spending one season in the AHL, and 23 in the OHL. <q>The NHLCA mourns the loss of Bob Jones who passed away on July 26 following a courageous battle against ALS. Bob enjoyed a long career in hockey as a player and a decorated coach, having spent almost 30 years in the NHL, AHL & OHL. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/NHLCoachesAssoc/status/1816966998800425106'> </a></blockquote></div> Jones will surely be missed by his friends, family, and fans alike. Rest in peace, Bob. Source: HouseofHockey <a href='https://www.houseofhockey.net/nhl-team/ottawa-senators/ottawa-senators-coach-tragically-passes-at-54-years-old-after-battle-with-als' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Ottawa Senators coach tragically passes at 54 years old after battle with ALS</a>