Hockey community reacts to the passing of Andrew Shaw.

It is a sad time for the hockey community.

Over the weekend, Columbus Blue Jackets insider Aaron Portzline reported that long time amateur scout Andrew Shaw had passed away, news that has now been confirmed this morning by the Ontario Hockey League. In an official statement published on Sunday, the OHL confirmed the passing of Shaw although members of the hockey community had already started to react to the news long before the announcement. 

Shaw, who leaves us far too young at just 58 years of age, spent several seasons as an amateur scout with the Columbus Blue Jackets and is known for having been involved in the selection of players like Marc Methot, Josh Anderson, and Dalton Prout, spent 2 years in the same role with the Boston Bruins, and most recently worked for the Edmonton Oilers as a regional scout in Ontario.

While he may not be a household name to fans of the sport, there's no question that Shaw left his mark on the sport of hockey. Shaw and his family also served as a billet family for several prominent players, with the most notable likely being Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos.

Stamkos reacted to the news on Saturday and said the following:

He was an amazing person. Always had a smile on his face. Forever grateful to him and his wife Sandy for allowing me into their home when I was playing in Sarnia. Was planning to see them while playing in Columbus this October. Very sad day. RIP Shawsy

As I mentioned members of the hockey community have reacted to the news and Stamkos is far from alone. The Boston Bruins marked the passing of Shaw on Saturday, sending out the following message:

The Sudbury Wolves also offered their condolences:

Many others also took to social media to share their own stories of Shaw and all of them had one thing in common. Shaw seemed to always be ready with a smile for everyone he met. This anecdote from Stuart McComish was particularly nice:

I first met Andrew Shaw when he was a member of the scouting staff of the Battalion in Brampton. A great hockey man with a great love for the game, one of the best people I met in my days in the OHL . RIP Shawzy

Gone far too soon, he will be missed.