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When Brian P. Burke lifted the Stanley Cup over his head in celebration as the Anaheim Ducks' general manager 18 months ago, emotions across the NHL ran the gamut.

There were some hockey people who were elated that their friend or mentor had reached the top. Others simply respected Burke's determination and stubborn ways. Some chose to cheapen the accomplishment by reasoning that Burke walked into a good situation in Anaheim. They simply did not like the man because they had witnessed his bombastic gruff exterior as well as his bully-like demeanour.

Twenty-five years ago, former Boston Bruins general manager Harry Sinden would have been in the latter group. He disliked Burke, a player agent back then, so much that Sinden barred him from the Boston Garden.

The two were haggling over a contract for a player. The details found their way into the press. Sinden accused Burke of leaking the information, so he barred him from the rink.

"In my opinion, the details came out way too early and I didn't like it and I told him," Sinden said. "He was with a prestigious law firm in Boston back then and they came over to talk to me about it. I think [the banishment] lasted only two days. We got over it."

Now Burke and Sinden are thick as thieves. The two, along with New York Rangers GM Glen Sather, Calgary Flames co-owner Harley Hotchkiss and other hockey executives, assemble for hunting expeditions and an annual fishing trip to the Queen Charlotte Islands in British Columbia.

"Glen and I started it, but when Brian got into management, he showed an interest in joining us," Sinden said. "Now he organizes it. He believes we should get together in a social situation to discuss some of the problems in the game."

One NHL executive said Burke has been successful because he exudes confidence, conviction, credibility and confidence. The more Sinden has come to know Burke, the more he likes the new president and GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

"Certainly, I would describe him as bombastic and gruff," Sinden said. "But it doesn't stop there. The one thing I find about Brian is his principles are really high and he expressed them to anybody who will listen. I've come to admire that about him. He really does have, I guess, good, solid Irish values. Not only in life itself, but in hockey.

"I'm an admirer of Brian's. He's a good manager because he's very well assimilated. He leaves the coaching to the coach and the scouting to the scouts. I don't know if many people know that about Brian, but it's true."

When the Leafs visited the Vancouver Canucks two weeks ago, former Canucks coach and current CBC hockey analyst Marc Crawford was queried by the Toronto coaching staff about what it's like to work for Burke.

"I felt like E.F. Hutton," Crawford said, referring to his attentive audience. "I told them that Brian lets you do your job and you're going to like that about him.

"I also told them once in a while he'll create something [in the media] that you will have to deal with. But sometimes it will take the pressure off."

Crawford credited Burke's wife, Jennifer, a former Vancouver broadcaster, for his media savvy. But is Burke different when not in the media spotlight?

"Brian is a very caring, compassionate guy," Crawford said. "If he knows you're having a problem or dealing with something personal, he is as good as I've been around.

"If you've ever met his mom or dad, you realize that he hasn't fallen far from the tree. When you grow up in a family of 10, you will strive for attention, but you also have to learn how to get along and care about those close to you."

The caring is expressed in Burke's loyalty. When David Nonis was let go by the Canucks as their GM last spring, Burke immediately recommended Nonis for possible openings with the St. Louis Blues, Atlanta Thrashers and Leafs. When Nonis wasn't hired for any of those jobs, Burke hired him in Anaheim, and now Nonis and Burke will arrive together in Toronto.

"He's much like Cliff in that they are very inclusive," Crawford said. "He doesn't care if you're a video coach, a head coach or a first-year coach, he wants to hear your opinion."

He also has a romantic side. When Burke was courting his wife, he sent her a box of fortune cookies with the fortune inside: "You are falling in love with Brian Burke," and later sent another batch that read: "You are going to marry Brian Burke."

"Yeah, he's brash and in your face," Anaheim defenceman Chris Pronger said. "He has a temper and he loves an argument. But he practises what he preaches.

"He's a great guy to play for. He always has your back and is always looking out for the best interest of the team. You are going to know where he stands. If you're on the trade block, he will tell you. If he tried to trade you and there were no takers, he'll tell you."

Bio

Born: June 30, 1955, Providence, R.I.

Background: Fourth oldest of 10 children (six girls and four boys). … Moved to Edina, Minn., at age 12. … Began playing organized hockey at 13. … Played four seasons as defenceman at Providence College under Lou Lamoriello. … Served as team captain in 1976-77. … Earned bachelor of arts degree in history at Providence and law degree from Harvard in 1981. … Signed professional contract with Philadelphia Flyers. … Played one season for 1977-78 Maine Mariners of AHL and won Calder Cup. … Practised law in Boston in 1981-87, specializing in representing pro hockey players. … Was Vancouver Canucks' vice-president and director of hockey operations from 1987 to 1992. … Became Hartford Whalers' general manager for 1992-93 season. … Was NHL senior vice-president and director of hockey operations from 1993 to 1998. … Was president and GM of the Canucks from 1998 to 2004. … Television analyst for TSN and CBC for 2004-05. … Was Anaheim Ducks' GM from 2005 to 2008.

Family: Wife, Jennifer, and Brian have two young daughters, Mairin and Fiona. Burke has sons Patrick (25) and Brendan (19) and daughters Katie (27), Molly (17) from first marriage.

Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, bird watching, reading about military figures and history.