Jacques Demers responding well to therapy after stroke

Senator Jacques Demers speaks to media in the foyer of the Senate on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Dec. 3, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

MONTREAL - Hospital officials say Sen. Jacques Demers is responding well to therapy and that his overall medical condition is stable after his stroke a week ago.

The McGill University Health Centre said in a statement this afternoon his neurological condition continues to improve and the medical team is pleased with his prognosis for rehabilitation.

The next update is scheduled for Friday morning, when media will be able to meet with the treating physician.

The 71-year-old former NHL coach was rushed to hospital last Wednesday night.

Demers, who coached the Montreal Canadiens to their 1993 Stanley Cup victory, is a patient of the team's current doctor, David Mulder.