Senators assistant coach Bob Jones diagnosed with ALS

Ottawa Senators assistant coach Bob Jones has ALS, general manager Pierre Dorion announced Tuesday.

"Bob and his family's wishes are to take the courageous step of making his condition public in an effort to drive ALS awareness as he fights this disease," the GM said in a statement.

Jones will continue coaching, and Dorion said the coach has the Senators' full support to take any time away he requires during the season.

"The thoughts and well-wishes of the entire National Hockey League family are with Ottawa Senators assistant coach Bob Jones and his family," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement Tuesday. "We admire his courage in making his battle with ALS public, and we will support him and his family in this fight."

Jones is in his fourth season as an assistant coach with the Senators. He previously worked in the AHL and coached in the OHL for over 20 years.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease that gradually paralyzes the individual as the brain becomes unable to communicate with muscles in the body.