NHL confirms death of former Canadiens owner George N. Gillett Jr. at 87

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

George N. Gillett Jr., the former owner of the Montreal Canadiens, has died at 87, the Canadiens and the NHL announced Wednesday.

Gillett owned the Canadiens from Jan. 31, 2001, to June 20, 2009. He purchased control of the team and Molson Centre, now Bell Centre, and later sold the club, the arena and Groupe Spectacles Gillett to current owner Geoff Molson and a consortium of investors.

The NHL said Gillett was born Oct. 22, 1938, in Racine, Wis.

In a statement, Canadiens owner, president and CEO Geoff Molson said Gillett “immersed himself in the Montreal community” and thanked him for his contributions during his time as owner.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said Gillett’s “passion for the Montreal Canadiens and commitment to the city of Montreal were demonstrated throughout his tenure” from 2001 to 2009. Bettman pointed to preparations for the Canadiens’ Centennial Celebration as part of the legacy of Gillett’s ownership.

During Gillett’s tenure, the Canadiens prepared for their 2009-10 centennial season. His years as owner also included captain Saku Koivu’s return from cancer on April 9, 2002, and the Sept. 1, 2002, renaming of the team’s arena to Bell Centre.

Outside hockey, the NHL said Gillett owned the Harlem Globetrotters, founded Brook Creek Management Corp., held an interest in Liverpool Football Club alongside Tom Hicks in 2007, and had a controlling stake in a multi-car NASCAR operation.

Both the Canadiens and the NHL extended condolences to Gillett’s family and friends.