Toronto Maple Leafs announce the passing of performance coach Greg Harden

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Chris Gerics
September 13, 2024 (2:38 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Friday that performance coach Greg Harden has passed away.

Harden, part of the Maple Leafs training staff, was an integral part in ensuring the mental conditioning of the entire roster from top to bottom, and is known in the sports world as somewhat of an iconic figure.

His resume includes the Maple Leafs, and the University of Michigan; where he was an administrator and counsellor to athletes during their time there. Some people influenced by Harden during their time at Michigan were Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, Jalen Rose and Desmond Howard; all men who have gone on to have fantastic careers, especially in regards to Brady and Phelps; two icons of their sport.

Harden worked at the University from 1986 until 2020 when he decided to change up his style of work and signed a contract to work with the Maple Leafs. He ended up bringing his mental approach to the Toronto Maple Leafs especially since their playoff struggles have no doubt led to some anxiety from the roster. The Maple Leafs put out a brief statement regarding Harden:

"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."

Since news of his passing, more tributes have poured in from people close to Harden. Some of them include:

Tom Brady:

"I'm so sad to hear the news of Greg's passing. I'm heartbroken as he was a dear friend and mentor. There are so many beautiful qualities Greg had that endeared him to so many people over his years at Michigan. He meant the world to me and I could never have had the success I had without the time, energy, love and support he had given me. He will be truly missed."

Jim Harbaugh:

"Greg Harden's purpose in life, as he often talked about, was helping others discover their own. His perspective was unlike anyone's I've ever met and his wisdom was unparalleled... Greg's life was one of service, whoally dedicated to helping others. He listened to you, he heard you but he never told you what to do, that was his brilliance. That was his gift."

Desmond Howard:

"There are no words I can form right now that can adequately express the profound loss I am feeling. I was just 18 years old when I met Greg Harden after arriving at the University of Michigan. Greg was everything you could ever want in a friend, mentor and confidante. His guidance helped change the trajectory of my life and our friendship spanned nearly four decades.

Over the years, he positively impacted the lives of countless other student-athletes and their families. Greg brought wisdom, joy and his calming nature to every encounter. His presence will be missed by all of us.

Although my family and I are heartbroken, we hold on to the lessons, guidance and memories that will forever be Greg's legacy. We are blessed beyond measure to have had him in our lives."

We here at Hockey Patrol offer our condolences to the family and friends of Greg Harden during this difficult time.