Former Spits head coach Bob Jones passes away

Sadly, former Windsor Spitfires head coach Bob Jones has passed away at the age of 54 after a battle with ALS.

Photo: Bob Bellacicco

Jones went public with his diagnosis midway through the 2022-2023 season.

There is no cure for ALS but researchers are working to uncover new treatments and therapies.

Last August, DJ Smith and Bob Boughner organized a fundraiser named All in 4 ALS in support of Jones. It was held at the WFCU Centre in front of a sellout crowd bringing together a collection of current and former NHL'ers for an exhibition game that helped raise over $210,000.

The Ottawa Senators shared their sadness with their fan base Friday evening.

The Spitfires also shared a post Friday evening with their fans.

Jones played junior hockey for his hometown Soo Greyhounds before being drafted to the NHL in the 9th round in 1989 by the Detroit Red Wings. He joined the Windsor Spitfires as an associate coach in 2007 and helped lead the Spits to back to back Memorial Cup championships in 2009 and 2010. He took over as bench boss during the 2010/11 season.

When his good friend DJ Smith was hired to be the Senators head coach in 2019 he brought Jones aboard as one of his assistants.

Jones is survived by his wife Paige and children Blake and Brianna.