Maple Leafs Join Sports World in Mourning the Passing of Influential Performance Coach Greg Harden - MASHAHER

The Toronto Maple Leafs joined the sports community in mourning the passing of Greg Harden on Friday.

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The influential performance coach worked with the NHL club for the past three seasons. Before that, he worked with the University of Michigan from 1986 to 2020 where he worked as an administrator and served as a life coach for many top athletes including Tom Brady and Michael Phelps.

The University announced Harden’s passing in a statement, saying he died from complications after surgery.

“Long-time University of Michigan Administrator Greg Harden, best known as the mental coach for thousands of student-athletes who competed for the university and countless others around the world, has passed away after complications from surgery. During his time at Michigan, Harden became known in many circles as the school’s “Secret Weapon” for his work behind the scenes helping Wolverine athletes achieve peak performance.He is survived by his wife Shelia, three adult children – Brian, Victor and Olivia – andhis sister Lynette. The family appreciates all the thoughts and prayers but they ask that you grant them some privacy as they deal with the loss of their loved one. In the future, they look forward to celebrating Greg’s life with many who were blessed to know him.

The Maple Leafs hired Harden before the 2021-22 season. He was brought in shortly after the club suffered one of it’s biggest playoff collapses in recent memory, losing to the underdog Montreal Canadiens in the first-round series after being up 3-1.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of Greg Harden, who worked with our team for the past three seasons,” the Leafs said in s statement. “Greg was a man with perpetual positivity. He was a source of strength, wisdom, and unwavering support for our entire organization. Our deepest condolences go out to Greg’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.He will be greatly missed

When the Leafs hired Harden, staff and players spoke highly of his impact.

“You don’t really hire somebody like Greg Harden,” former Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said when asked about Harden’s hire in 2021. “He decides whether or not he wants to come work with you and we were fortunate he decided to join us.”

“He just really gets you to want to be the best version of yourself,” Former Maple Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell said when working with Harden.