Breaking: Franchises announces the passing of their first ever general manager.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced some sad news on Thursday.

In an official statement via the Penguins official website the team announced the passing of Jack Riley, truly a piece of NHL history as the organization's first ever general manager.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jack Riley. 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.

The Penguins have lost a piece of their history and so much more, Riley despite his advanced age continued to be a part of the Penguins organization even serving as honorary general manger for an alumni game in 2011. 

We take some solace in the fact that Jack Riley lived a full life, passing at the age of 97, but with that said we extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family in this difficult time.

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