George Gillett Jr., the high-spirited American businessman who owned the Montreal Canadiens from 2001 until 2009, died on September 22 at the age of 87, according to an announcement by the hockey club.
The club confirmed the death of its former owner, noting he passed away at age 87. Born on October 22, 1938, in Racine, Wisconsin, Gillett acquired the team and the venue then known as the Molson Centre on January 31, 2001. His tenure spanned eight years, characterized by a vibrant personality, high ambitions, and an ultimately difficult financial exit.
An Enthusiastic Arrival and a Colorado Training Camp
Gillett arrived in Montreal with grand ambitions, quickly earning the affectionate nickname Oncle George
from local observers. Shortly after taking charge in 2001, he moved the team’s training camp to Colorado for the following year, drawing on his business ties to the Vail ski region. He made numerous promises about restoring the franchise to championship glory, frequently sharing his passion for the bleu-blanc-rouge with reporters.
Unlike many traditional owners, Gillett made himself accessible, often giving his mobile phone number to beat reporters and answering calls with enthusiasm. He did not shy away from setting lofty expectations for the ice. In a September 2008 interview, he recalled learning the team’s history from books, noting with amusement that the franchise’s very first owner was also an American.
If we don’t battle for the Stanley Cup this season, we are going to be very disappointed, Gillett told journalists before the start of the 2007-08 season.
Milestones, Expansion, and Financial Strain
During his ownership, Gillett presided over several significant moments in franchise history. He also laid the groundwork for the club’s upcoming centennial season.
His sports business portfolio expanded significantly in 2007. In February of that year, alongside fellow NHL owner Tom Hicks, Gillett purchased the English Premier League soccer club Liverpool FC. Later that year, he acquired a NASCAR racing team and expressed ambitions of bringing an NFL game to Montreal’s Olympic Stadium.
However, external pressures mounted. Speculation over the future of the franchise intensified after media reports surfaced linking potential buyer Jim Balsillie to the team. By 2009, heavy debt burdens forced Gillett to relinquish control.
The 2009 Sale to the Molson Family
Gillett made his final public appearance as owner in September 2009 during an emotional press conference. Burdened by debt, he transferred ownership of the team, the Bell Centre, and Groupe Spectacles Gillett to the Molson family on June 20, 2009. Financial records from the transaction valued the sale at 575 million U.S. dollars, a substantial increase from the approximately 183 million U.S. dollars he paid when acquiring the club nine years earlier.
We never could earn a Stanley Cup ring, and I apologize for that… George Gillett, former owner of the Montreal Canadiens, via La Presse
Current team owner, president, and chief executive officer Geoff Molson issued a statement following his passing, acknowledging his impact on the franchise. On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to George’s family, Molson said, adding that Gillett had integrated seamlessly into the Montreal community and earned the appreciation of everyone within the organization.
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