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John Ziegler, NHL president who oversaw merger, dies at 84

SFGate.com | October 27, 2018

Related Topics: Associated Press, Wayne Gretzky, Rocky Wirtz, Chicago Blackhawks, World Hockey Association, Edmonton Oilers, Hartford Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, Stanley Cup

Ziegler

in 2006

Ziegler

in 2006

Photo: J. PAT CARTER / Associated Press

John Ziegler Jr.’s tumultuous 15 years as NHL president began with the league ushering in the Wayne Gretzky era and ended with labor unrest and a players strike in 1992.

The NHL on Friday confirmed Ziegler’s death, although the cause was not immediately known. He was 84.

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“His positive imprint on the game of hockey cannot ever be overstated,” Chicago Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz said.

Ziegler was the first American to run the league and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987.

See full article at SFGate.com