Jack Riley, the first general manager in the history of the Pittsburgh Penguins, died Wednesday at the age of 97.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jack Riley," the club said in a statement Thursday.
"Jack served as the Pittsburgh Penguins’ first general manager in 1967 and played an important trailblazing role in the club’s history. He occupied a regular seat in the press box until just a few years ago, was a proud and beloved member of the Penguins alumni association, and is fondly remembered by former players, coaches, scouts, office staff, arena workers, and fans.
"As the Penguins approach our 50th anniversary season, we are humbled to know that the franchise was built on the shoulders of hard-working people like Jack. We send out condolences to his family and many friends, both in Pittsburgh and throughout the hockey community. Jack Riley will be missed."
Riley guided the Penguins from 1967 to 1970 and then again from 1972 to 1974. He served as interim president and executive director between his tenures as GM.
He became commissioner of the Southern Hockey League in 1975, and served as president of the International Hockey League from 1979 to 1983.
Riley got his start in pro hockey management as GM of the AHL's Rochester Americans, a post he occupied for five years.
The Penguins named him their honorary GM for the 2011 Winter Classic at Heinz Field.
