Lyndon Byers Death: Cause Unknown, Bruins Mourn

Boston: Lyndon Byers, the beloved former Boston Bruins enforcer and long-time local radio personality, has died at the age of 61, the team announced on Saturday. The cause of death has not been disclosed, though reports indicate he had been battling health issues.

Byers, who was selected by the Bruins in the second round of the 1982 NHL Draft, played nine seasons in Boston and was a key figure during the team’s runs to the Stanley Cup Final in 1988 and 1990. Known for his tough, physical presence on the ice, Byers amassed 959 penalty minutes in 279 NHL games with Boston and later the San Jose Sharks, placing him 11th on the Bruins’ all-time list.

His death was confirmed in a heartfelt message by his wife, Annie, via Facebook. “Please know (or as LB would have said ‘not for nothing’) we recognize how many people loved and cared for him and considered him a friend. Keep LB in your memory, remember his smile and know how much he cared about all of you,” she wrote.

Lyndon Byers, former Bruins enforcer and WAAF radio personality, has died at 61.

A cause of death was not disclosed, though he had been facing health challenges.

The Bruins and former teammates remembered him as a loyal, humorous, and hard-hitting presence both on and off the ice.

Remembering a Bruins Fan Favorite

A native of Nipawin, Saskatchewan, Byers transformed from a high-scoring junior player to one of the NHL’s most fearless enforcers. He made his mark during an era when grit, toughness, and loyalty were just as valued as goals. During his time with the Bruins from 1983 to 1992, Byers became a crowd favorite for his willingness to protect teammates and take on the league’s toughest opponents.

Also Read: Mourning Diogo Jota: What We Know About the Fatal Crash and Funeral

In his most productive NHL season, 1987-88, Byers recorded 10 goals and 24 points, along with 249 penalty minutes. He added another goal and two assists during Boston’s playoff push that year. Though the Bruins ultimately fell to the powerhouse Edmonton Oilers in both 1988 and 1990 Stanley Cup Finals, Byers’ role in the team’s resurgence was widely acknowledged.

Following his lone season with the Sharks in 1992-93, he spent two years with the Minnesota Moose in the International Hockey League before transitioning into broadcasting.

Life Beyond the Rink: Radio, TV, and a Boston Legacy

After retiring from professional hockey, Byers became a household voice across New England as a popular on-air personality at Boston’s WAAF radio station, where he entertained listeners for more than two decades with his signature wit and charm. His career also extended to appearances in films such as Shallow Hal and Stuck on You, and the television series Rescue Me.

“He played hard and lived hard,” former teammate and NESN analyst Andy Brickley said. “LB was always team-first and absolutely loved being a Boston Bruin. You always knew when he was in the alumni box — I’d rush down just to say hello.”

Bob Sweeney, now President of the Boston Bruins Foundation, echoed those sentiments. “LB had our backs. He would do anything for any of us. He was a great teammate, a great friend, and a great man.”

Bruins Pay Tribute to a Lifelong Enforcer and Entertainer

The Bruins organization issued a statement expressing deep sorrow at the loss: “Lyndon was a fan favorite across his nine seasons in the Black & Gold thanks to his rugged, rough-and-tumble style and was a key cog on the B’s teams that made trips to the Stanley Cup Final in 1988 and 1990… A son of Nipawin, Saskatchewan, Lyndon became a true Bostonian and we will miss him dearly. He is forever a part of our Bruins family.”