Wren Blair, the first general manager and head coach of the Minnesota North Stars, has died at the age of 87.
Blair passed away on Wednesday at his home in Whitby, Ontario.
Blair built the Whitby Dunlops into two-time Allan Cup champions in the late 1950's as well as world champions in 1958.
As a scout, he was responsible for bringing Bobby Orr to the OHL's Oshawa Generals and subsequently, the Boston Bruins.
Blair was then tapped to lead the expansion North Stars when they debuted in the 1967-68 NHL season. Nicknamed "The Bird", Blair was known for his stormy demeanour behind the bench.
He was also the president of the Pittsburgh Penguins from 1975-77.
In 1989, he stepped up and bought the OHL's Kingston Raiders and saved the franchise from leaving town.
