The Ottawa Senators Are Asking For Thoughts and Prayers After a Tragic, Saddened Announcement

The Ottawa Senators issued a statement today regarding the health of assistant coach Bob Jones.

"A devoted member of our family, Bob Jones, has been diagnosed with ALS," said Senators general manager Pierre Dorion. "Bob and his family's wishes are to take the courageous step of making his condition public in an effort to drive ALS awareness as he fights this disease."

"We have been working internally with Bob and his family as he takes on this challenge; while Bob will continue with his coaching duties, he has the full support of the organization to take any time he needs away from the club during the season to concentrate on his health and his family."

As Bob shares his diagnosis publicly, one of the Jones' family's goals is to help raise awareness for ALS research. The family has asked that those considering contributions consider both the ALS Society of Canada and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Jones, 53, is currently in his fourth season as an assistant coach with the Senators after being appointed to head coach D.J. Smith's staff on July 5, 2019. He joined the club while having previous experience in the American Hockey League and a decorated Ontario Hockey League coaching career spanning more than 20 seasons.

An off-season resident of Tecumseh, Ont., Jones and his wife, Paige, have two children - Blake and Brianna. The Senators family stands united by Bob's side and the organization is asking the entire hockey community for its encouragement, prayers and support.