The Ottawa Senators on Sunday paid tribute to the late Alex Trebek, who a month earlier helped the organization announce their first pick of the 2020 NHL Draft.
Trebek, the legendary “Jeopardy!” host, died Sunday at the age of 80 following a bout with pancreatic cancer.
“Alex was a true and much beloved Canadian icon, and a very special member of the Ottawa Senators family,” Senators owner Eugene Melnyk said in a statement. “We will always be grateful to Alex for the special role he played in announcing the Senators’ first draft choice this year. For his legions of fans, Alex’s class and professionalism will endure as will his love for our game.
“Thank you, Alex, for your legacy. The Senators family and the entire capital Region will miss you.”
Trebek was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March 2019.
He was a Senators fan, having been born a few hours away from Ottawa in Ontario, Canada.
The Senators had Trebek announce their third-overall selection in the draft, Tim Stützle, in the iconic “Jeopardy!” format. Trebek provided the answer to the following question: “With the 3rd pick in the 2020 NHL Draft the Ottawa Senators choose this player.”
“The correct response?,” Trebek said. “Who is Tim Stützle?”
Stützle took to Instagram to pay his respects to Trebek as well.
“I am deeply sorry to hear about the death of Alex Trebek,” the 18-year-old wrote. “I was looking forward to meet the person who drafted me. He shared this unforgettable moment with me and I am very thankful for that.
“With my deepest condolences. REST IN PEACE MR. TREBEK.”