NHL mourns the passing of former Boston Bruins forward Lyndon Byers at 61

The National Hockey League and the Boston Bruins community are mourning the loss of Lyndon Byers, the hard-nosed forward whose rugged style and big personality made him a fan favorite.

Byers died at the age of 61, leaving behind a legacy that spanned nearly a decade on the ice and many more years behind the microphone as a radio personality.

The Boston Bruins remember Lyndon Byers as a fierce competitor on the ice and a beloved teammate who left a lasting impact

Selected 39th overall in the 1982 NHL Draft by the Bruins, Byers became a fixture in Boston’s lineup through the 1980s and early 1990s. He played 279 NHL games with Boston and the San Jose Sharks, recording 71 points (28 goals, 43 assists) and amassing 1,081 penalty minutes.

His 959 penalty minutes as a Bruin remain 11th on the franchise’s all-time list, underscoring his role as a tough enforcer unafraid to stand up for teammates.Byers contributed in critical playoff runs as well, appearing in 37 postseason games and helping the Bruins reach the Stanley Cup Final in both 1988 and 1990. Beyond the statistics, he was known for his willingness to do the gritty work that helped his team succeed.

From the ice to the airwaves, a Boston icon

After his playing career ended in 1993, Byers transitioned to a successful second act in broadcasting. For 25 years, he was a popular radio personality on Boston’s WAAF, entertaining countless New Englanders with his humor and unmistakable voice. He also appeared in television shows and movies, further cementing his place as a recognizable figure in the city he came to call home.In their statement, the Boston Bruins described Byers as “a fan favorite across his nine seasons in the Black & Gold thanks to his rugged, rough-and-tumble style,” while praising his post-hockey career for the joy it brought so many listeners.“A son of Nipawin, Saskatchewan, Lyndon became a true Bostonian and we will miss him dearly,” the Bruins shared. “He is forever a part of our Bruins family.”Lyndon Byers leaves behind his wife, Annie, and son, Will. His passion, toughness, and larger-than-life spirit defined his career and endeared him to generations of hockey fans. He will be remembered as both a fierce competitor and a warm-hearted personality who made a lasting impact on the sport and his community.Also Read: NHL Trade News: Dmitri Voronkov signs two-year, $8.35 million contract extension with Columbus Blue Jackets