The passing of a trailblazer.

As suggested by Steve in the comments section and confirmed by tsn.ca, Brian Burke's son Brenden was killed in a car accident today.

While I've never respected Brian Burke as a GM, I very much respected him for his openness and candor in discussion about Brendan.   His support for Brendan, whom some of you may not know came "out" this past year in an interview with ESPN, was impressive for perhaps setting the tone from the very top of the NHL that homophobia would not be tolerated in a sport which has been called the least open to recognition of hockey players for whom they are off the ice.

The Battle of Ontario doesn't matter so much tomorrow, though one could not be surprised if the Leafs are driven to gift a win to Burke as a small measure of support for their dedicated GM.

Sympathies to the family of Burke and all who looked to Brendan as a trailblazer.