by Jim Buzinski

There is a very touching and affirming story on ESPN.com about Brendan Burke, how he came out as gay and was accepted by his father, Brian Burke, the president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Brendan Burke, 20, is a former hockey goalie who now assists the University of Miami (Ohio) college hockey team that is ranked No. 1 in the country. (Feb. 5. 2010 update: Brendan Burke dies in crash).

full story:
http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2009/11/25/nhl-gm-brian-burke-supports-his-gay-son/



Brendan Burke dies, son of Maple Leafs' G.M.

by Jim Buzinski

Brendan Burke

What a tragic story - Brendan Burke, 21, was killed in a crash on a snow-covered road in Indiana on Friday. Burke came into national prominence from an ESPN.com piece about him in November. The story detailed the love and acceptance Burke got from his dad, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke, after coming out as gay.

full story:
http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2010/02/05/brendan-burke-dies-son-of-maple-leafs-gm/



'We love you, this won't change a thing'

John Buccigross
ESPN.com

'I hope the day comes, and soon, when this is not a story.' -- Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke

Imagine this.

Well before you are born, your dad plays college hockey at Providence College and wears the "C" for Friars coach and Hockey Hall of Famer Lou Lamoriello. Your dad is then a member of the Calder Cup-winning Maine Mariners AHL team. He admits to having little skill, but contributes rough and tough qualities. You know, like pugnacity, testosterone, truculence and belligerence. He's a man, baby.

Dad is also driven. And smart. He quickly retires from pro hockey. He knows he will make the NHL only with his brain and mental brawn. He earns a law degree from Harvard in 1981, then practices law in Boston for the next six years, representing professional hockey players before joining the Vancouver Canucks in 1987 as vice president and director of hockey operations. He has made the NHL. You are born a year later in Vancouver, British Columbia, in December 1988.

full story:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=buccigross_john&id=4685761

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