Former Kings executive Wren Blair dies

Wren Blair, who was the Kings' player personnel director from 1979 through 1985, died Wednesday at age 87 in Whitby, Canada.

He was known for discovering Bobby Orr and for being the first coach and general manager of the Minnesota North Stars after they joined the NHL for the 1967-68 season.

Wren spent more than 50 years in the sport as a coach, executive and team owner.

He led the Whitby Dunlops to a pair of Allan Cup titles in Canada in the 1950s and later founded the Saginaw Gears of the International Hockey League in the 1970s.

Blair had most recently worked as a consultant with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League. He helped bring the North Bay Centennials to Saginaw in 2002.

-Helene Elliott