Dan McCourt, former NHL linesman from Sudbury, passes away

A man from the Greater Sudbury community of Skead who worked as an NHL lineman for 25 years has passed away.

Dan McCourt, a member of Sudbury Sports Hall of Fame and a longtime NHL linesman, has died. He was 70.

McCourt was the brother of former NHLer Dale McCourt and was the nephew of Toronto Maple Leafs legend George Armstrong.

He was a linesman in the NHL from 1979 until his retirement in 2004. His contribution to local hockey helped earn him a spot in the sports hall of fame.

“Dan has been instrumental in the development of the NOJHL officiating program, both on and off the ice,” said NOJHL commissioner Robert Mazzuca.

“His contributions, guidance and considerable input has been exceptional in developing our officials and helping the overall improvement of our league as a whole.”

When the arena in Garson was renamed in honour of George Armstrong last year, McCourt took the opportunity to clarify a few things about his famous uncle.

“He was born in Bowlands Bay, not Skead,” McCourt said at the October 2024 ceremony.

“His father was Scottish, not Irish, his mother was Algonquin from Kitigan Zibi, not Ojibway, Cree or Mohawk. He played for the Copper Cliff Redman, not the Prince Albert Raiders.”

Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre paid tribute to McCourt on social media Tuesday.

“Dan’s vibrant personality, quick wit and heartfelt stories made him a cherished presence in arenas across our community and beyond,” Lefebvre wrote.

“Hearing Dan share family stories at the renaming of the Garson Arena to the George Armstrong Community Centre and Arena in honour of his uncle last fall was truly special. His words reflected his deep family pride and reminded us of the profound connection between the McCourt family and the game of hockey.”

“On behalf of City Council and all residents, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Dan’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Lefebvre added.