Rejean "Ray" Shero '84, former captain of the St. Lawrence University men's hockey team, National Hockey League (NHL) executive, and 2009 Stanley Cup Champion, passed away at the age of 62.
Shero made an immediate impact upon his arrival in Canton, N.Y., in the fall of 1980, establishing himself as a leader and a catalyst for change. He played a pivotal role in helping new head coach Mike McShane transform a developing program into a competitive force, reaching the ECAC Playoffs in three of his four seasons.
Drafted by the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, Shero's selection was a rare accomplishment for college players in the 1980s and brought credibility to the St. Lawrence hockey program. At the time of his graduation, Shero ranked among the University's all-time leading scorers.
After graduating from St. Lawrence and retiring from his playing career, Shero embarked on an extraordinary professional career that began as an NHL player agent for the Sports Consulting Group. He built a successful agency representing numerous professional players and was among the first to represent college hockey players for over seven years. Shero stayed in the role until 1993, when he was hired by fellow Skating Saint alumnus Randy Sexton '82 as an assistant general manager by the NHL's Ottawa Senators.
During his five seasons with the organization, he played a key role in transforming the team from its early days as an expansion team into a playoff contender. Shero's career continued its upward trajectory as assistant general manager of the Nashville Predators, a role that prepared him to be named General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2006.
Anchored by players signed and drafted by Ray, the Penguins defeated the Detroit Red Wings in game seven to claim the Stanley Cup in 2009, the city's first NHL title in 17 years. The triumph allowed Ray to hoist the Cup like his father, Fred, did as head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers in 1974 and 1975.
Shero later served as general manager of the New Jersey Devils from 2015 until 2020. He was also actively involved with USA Hockey, was a member of its National Team Advisory Board, and served as associate general manager for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. His wealth of knowledge and experience brought him to the Minnesota Wild, where he most recently served as senior advisor to the general manager of the Minnesota Wild, Bill Guerin.
Through his storied career, Shero remained engaged with the University and its hockey programs, having been a founding board member of the St. Lawrence Hockey Alumni Association (HAA).
For over three decades, Shero has provided invaluable guidance and scouting assistance to St. Lawrence men's hockey coaches. He has served as a trusted mentor and resource to St. Lawrence families and students, exemplifying his unwavering dedication to the University's community.
Shero hosted numerous alumni events and provided mentorship to countless students as they transitioned from college to their professional careers, solidifying his legacy as a true champion of the St. Lawrence community.
