Former NHL player and coach Brad Larsen is going through a deeply emotional time after the passing of his wife, Hannah Larsen, who died following a battle with cancer. The news has brought an outpouring of sympathy from the hockey community, teammates, and fans who have expressed their condolences to Larsen and his family.
Hannah’s passing marks a heartbreaking moment for the Larsen family, who have faced several personal challenges over the years while maintaining a strong bond.
A Difficult Loss for Brad Larsen and His Family
Brad Larsen, known for his coaching career in the NHL and his time as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, has long been described as a family-focused person. He and Hannah shared two children together and built their life around their close-knit family.
Deep sympathies to longtime #CBJ coach (asst. + head) Brad Larsen, who is a man of great character and faith.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) March 13, 2026
He’s been battling this alongside Hannah behind the scenes with an incredible amount of strength and grace. Larsen himself is a cancer survivor.
Hugs to Brad and kids. https://t.co/HszBt4J1HB
Larsen Family Overview
| Family Member | Details |
|---|---|
| Brad Larsen | Former NHL player and coach |
| Wife | Hannah Larsen |
| Children | Faith Larsen, Ty Larsen |
| Residence | Columbus, Ohio area |
Faith is the couple’s elder child, while Ty is their younger son. The family has largely stayed away from public attention, preferring to keep their personal life private.
Condolences From the Hockey Community
News of Hannah Larsen’s passing quickly spread across the hockey world, with many figures and organizations sending messages of support to the Larsen family.
Former NHL coach John Tortorella publicly expressed condolences to Brad Larsen and his children during a broadcast segment. Tortorella had worked closely with Larsen during their time together in Columbus and is known to share a strong professional and personal connection with him.
The Calgary Flames organization also shared a heartfelt message expressing sympathy and support for Larsen and his family during this difficult time.
These messages reflected the respect and support Larsen has earned throughout his career in hockey.
Larsen’s Personal Strength Through Difficult Times
Brad Larsen has faced significant challenges both professionally and personally throughout his life. Known for his strong faith and resilience, he has previously spoken about how family moments shaped his outlook on life.
One emotional chapter for the Larsen family came in 2019 when their son Ty suffered a serious accident after being kicked in the head by a horse on the family’s farm. Ty sustained a broken jaw but underwent successful surgery and recovered.
Despite these hardships, Larsen and his family remained strong and supportive of each other.
Major Personal Challenges Faced by the Larsen Family
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Son Ty injured in horse accident, suffered broken jaw |
| 2026 | Wife Hannah passed away after cancer battle |
These experiences highlight the personal trials Larsen has faced while continuing his professional career in hockey.
Brad Larsen’s Coaching Journey
Brad Larsen built a respected career in professional hockey both as a player and a coach.
Originally from British Columbia, he played junior hockey before being drafted into the NHL. Over the years, he worked his way through professional leagues before eventually moving into coaching.
He spent several seasons as an assistant coach with the Columbus Blue Jackets before later becoming the team’s head coach. Known for his communication skills and dedication to players, Larsen earned respect within the organization and across the league.
Holding a head coaching position in the NHL is considered one of the most demanding jobs in professional sports, and Larsen once described the opportunity as humbling because only a small number of such roles exist worldwide.
Leave From Coaching for Family Reasons
In recent years, Larsen stepped away from coaching responsibilities for family reasons. The decision reflected his focus on supporting his loved ones during a difficult period behind the scenes.
Many colleagues and friends later acknowledged the strength Larsen showed while supporting his family during the health battle his wife was facing.
Hockey Community Shows Support
Following the tragic news, many fans and members of the hockey community shared messages of sympathy and support for the Larsen family.
The emotional response highlighted the respect people have for Larsen as both a coach and a person. Many described him as a man of strong character who always put family first.
The focus now remains on supporting Larsen and his children as they cope with the loss of Hannah.
Remembering Hannah Larsen
Although Hannah Larsen preferred to stay away from the public spotlight, she played an important role in Brad Larsen’s life and career. Friends and colleagues have described her as a supportive partner and devoted mother.
Her passing leaves a deep void for her family and for those who knew her personally.
For Brad Larsen and his children, the coming period will be one of healing and remembrance as they honor her life and legacy.
Conclusion
The passing of Hannah Larsen has brought sadness to the hockey community and to all who know Brad Larsen. As a respected coach and devoted family man, Larsen has received strong support from colleagues, teams, and fans.
While the loss is deeply painful, the messages of encouragement and sympathy reflect how much the Larsen family is valued within the hockey world.
