Former Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett Jr., dead at 87

Montreal, QC - George Gillett Jr., the former controlling owner of the NHL's Montreal Canadiens, has passed away at the age of 87. The team announced his death on Thursday, though the cause of death was not disclosed. Gillett acquired the Bell Centre, then known as Molson Centre, and a majority share in the Canadiens for $275 million on January 31, 2001. He held onto the team until selling it to the Molson family on June 20, 2009, with the NHL's approval.

Born on October 22, 1938, in Racine, Wisconsin, Gillett established Brook Creek Management Corp., a portfolio management firm, as his career progressed. The Montreal Canadiens' owner, president, and chief executive officer, Geoff Molson, expressed his condolences on behalf of the entire organization. He praised Gillett for his immersion in the Montreal community and the appreciation he garnered from everyone within the organization.