The City of Belleville expresses condolences to the family of Eugene Melnyk on his passing yesterday. After struggling with health issues for the past number of years, Mr. Melnyk is at peace and has left a lasting legacy for the residents of Belleville.
In 2017 the City of Belleville welcomed an American Hockey League team when Eugene Melnyk relocated the Binghamton team to the renovated CAA Arena at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre. This team has been a significant driver of economic and tourism benefits for our local economy as well as providing an excellent entertainment option for residents. Mr. Melnyk was committed to the team’s success in Belleville and was working toward the Senators’ AHL playoff drive this spring.
Mitch Panciuk announced that flags at City Hall and the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre will be flown at half-staff for the remainder of the week and for the next home game of the Belleville Senators.
“Eugene Melnyk was a passionate supporter of the Belleville Senators,” said Mayor Panciuk. “He appreciated the partnership between the team and the City, and told me he really wanted to win a Calder Cup Championship. We will continue that partnership as a legacy to his vision for our team and will work to make his dream of a Calder Cup a reality. We thank Eugene Melnyk for making our City a better place with the Belleville Senators.”
While details of funeral arrangements have not been announced, the Belleville Senators will have more information as those details are made public.
