Lindy Ruff is a former player and the head coach for the Buffalo Sabres, as of January 2025. He was hired by the Sabres on April 22, 2024, and is the fifth-winningest coach in NHL history. Ruff has set franchise records for games coached, wins, and playoff victories during his first stint. He has 864 career regular-season wins and 935 combined regular-season and playoff wins, ranking him fourth in NHL history.
Ruff led the Sabres to eight playoff appearances, including a Stanley Cup Final in 1999. He was also the NHL’s Coach of the Year in 2006 and has twice served as head coach for Team Canada at the IIHF World Championship.
Lindy Ruff Family Origin
According to Hockey Canada, Lindy Ruff's family originates from Warburg, Alberta, Canada, a small town with a population of around 775 people. His father, Leeson Ruff, was a longtime resident of Warburg, and Lindy was raised on a farm in the area.
Who are Lindy Ruff’s Parents?
According to Hockey Canada, Lindy Ruff's parents are Leeston and Shirley Ruff. They were longtime residents of Warburg, Alberta. Leeston was involved in farming. Shirley ensured Lindy and his siblings had the opportunity to pursue sports like hockey and baseball, despite the challenges of long commutes to practice and games.
According to AP News, Lindy Ruff's father Leeston Ruff passed away at the age of 88 on Friday, January 28, 2022, in a hospital in Warburg, Alberta. He had been ill before his death. Following this, Lindy Ruff took a leave of absence and missed two games, including a home-and-home series with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Lindy Ruff’s siblings
According to Elite Prospects, Lindy Ruff has three brothers - Brent, Marty, and Randy Ruff.
According to Elite Prospects, Randy Ruff was born on January 31, 1959, in Edmonton, Alberta. He played as a left-wing in hockey. His career included time with the Lethbridge Broncos in the WHL, where he had a strong season in 1978-79 with 37 goals and 49 assists in 71 games. Randy also played for the Taber Golden Suns in the AJHL, registering 34 goals and 42 assists in 55 games during the 1977-78 season.
According to Elite Prospects, Marty Ruff was born on May 19, 1963, in Warburg, Alberta. He played defense and was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the first round, 20th overall, in the 1981 NHL Draft. Marty started his junior career with the Lethbridge Broncos in the WHL, where he played for several seasons. He then moved to the IHL, where he played for teams like the Peoria Rivermen, Muskegon Mohawks, and Toledo Goaldiggers. In the 1985-86 season with the Peoria Rivermen, he recorded three goals and six assists in 44 games.
According to Elite Prospects, Brent Ruff was born on February 17, 1970, in Warburg, Alberta. He played left wing and was part of the Swift Current Broncos in the WHL. Brent had a promising career ahead of him, with notable statistics in his U15 AAA season, where he scored 125 points in 60 games. Tragically, at the age of 16, he died in a bus crash on December 30, 1986, near Swift Current, Saskatchewan.
Who is Lindy Ruff’s Wife?
According to the Sun, Lindy Ruff has been married to Gaye Ruff since 1985. Gaye keeps a low profile, and not much is known about her personal life. She attended the University of Alberta, located in Lindy's hometown. The couple has four children: two sons, Brett and Brian, and two daughters, Eryn and Madeleine. Gaye's social media account (@gaye4073) is private with just one post and a small following. The couple has been married for nearly 40 years.
Lindy Ruff’s Kids
According to the Sun, Lindy Ruff and Gaye Ruff have four children: two sons, Brett and Brian, and two daughters, Eryn and Madeleine.
According to Brent’s LinkedIn profile, he works as the Coordinator of Hockey Administration for the Buffalo Sabres, focusing on projects related to the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Brett graduated from Syracuse University in 2012 with a degree in Sport Management. He has over 12 years of experience with the Sabres, having started in 2012.
According to Elite Prospects, Brian is retired from hockey and works in medical sales. He played as a forward and had a brief career with teams like the Buffalo Stars and Buffalo Jr. Sabres. Born on August 16, 1994, Brian scored 20 goals and 20 assists in the 2011-2012 season with the Buffalo Stars and later contributed seven goals and 13 assists in 33 games with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres.
According to zola, Eryn teaches middle school science and recently moved to Dallas from Charlotte to be closer to her family. She enjoys spending time with her rescue dog, Levi and is passionate about outdoor activities like snowboarding and wakesurfing. Eryn is also planning to go skydiving soon.
According to zola, Maddie is the youngest of the siblings and relocated to Dallas to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy at UT Southwestern. She works in acute care and is also starting her own charcuterie board business called "@boardsbyruff."
FAQs on Lindy Ruff Family
A. Lindy Ruff is 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) tall.
A. Lindy Ruff weighs 201 lb (91 kg; 14 st 5 lb).
A. Lindy Ruff played for the Buffalo Sabres and the New York Rangers.
A. Lindy Ruff has coached the Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils.
A. Lindy Ruff was drafted 32nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1979 NHL Draft.
