Lyndon Byers, a former power forward for the Regina Pats who played portions of 10 NHL seasons after being drafted in the second round in 1982, has passed away at the age of 61.
Byers, known for his physical play as a 6-foot-1, 200-pound enforcer, spent nine seasons with the Boston Bruins before ending his NHL career with the San Jose Sharks in the 1992-93 season. Over the course of 379 regular-season games, he scored 28 goals, provided 43 assists, and accumulated 1,021 penalty minutes. According to HockeyFights.com, he participated in 92 NHL fights.
On Saturday, the team issued a statement on social media, a day after his passing:
“The Boston Bruins are profoundly saddened by the death of Lyndon Byers. Lyndon was a fan favorite throughout his nine seasons in the Black & Gold due to his tough, rugged style, and played a significant role in the Bruins’ teams that advanced to the Stanley Cup Final in 1988 and 1990.”
No cause of death was disclosed.
Byers’ wife, Anne, also shared news of his passing on social media and mentioned that a memorial service is being organized: “It is with deep sorrow that I have to announce that LB passed away yesterday morning. (Son) Will and I are still trying to come to terms with this news… We acknowledge how many people loved him and considered him a friend.”
Boston selected Byers 39th overall in the 1982 NHL draft. He also played for nine teams in the International and American leagues.
“He was a lively, infectious, larger-than-life individual,” said former Pats broadcaster Kevin Gallant. “He was determined, and we knew he was going to make it to the NHL. He was so much fun to be around and a strong protector of his teammates, which makes his loss all the more difficult because he was such a cherished person.”
Born in Nipawin, Byers played midget hockey at Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox before beginning a three-season career with Regina in 1981-82. In 185 WHL regular-season games, he scored 82 goals, provided 120 assists, and spent 476 minutes in the penalty box. The Pats reached the league finals in his first and third seasons, ultimately losing to the Portland Winter Hawks and Kamloops Oilers, respectively.
A well-loved figure in the Boston area, Byers spent 25 years as a radio broadcaster after retiring.