John Ziegler Jr. | |
---|---|
Born |
Grosse Pointe, Michigan, U.S. |
February 9, 1934
Nationality | American |
Alma mater | University of Michigan |
Occupation | Lawyer, former NHL president, ice hockey owner and governor |
Title | President of the National Hockey League |
Term | 1977–1992 |
Predecessor | Clarence Campbell |
Successor | Gil Stein |
Awards |
Lester Patrick Trophy Hockey Hall of Fame, 1987 |
John A. Ziegler Jr (born February 9, 1934) is an American lawyer and ice hockey executive. He was the fourth president of the National Hockey League. In 1977, Ziegler became the fourth president of the NHL, succeeding Clarence Campbell. Ziegler received the Lester Patrick Trophy in 1984 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987.
Born in Grosse Pointe, Michigan in 1934, John Augustus Ziegler, Jr. lived with his family in the Detroit area's northern, lakefront suburb of St. Clair Shores, graduating from Lake Shore High School in 1952. He would go on to attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, obtaining both an undergraduate degree and a graduate law degree; the later in 1957.
Before becoming National Hockey League President in 1970, Ziegler practiced law, was involved in the ownership of the Detroit Red Wings, and served one year as chairman of the NHL Board of Governors. Ziegler had also been the Vice-Chairman of the England-based London Lions independent professional ice hockey franchise.
Prior to the 1978–79 season, a failed manipulation of the waiver system by the Montreal Canadiens led Pierre Bouchard's rights to unintentionally move from Montreal to Washington. Montreal had intended to reclaim him, but Ziegler interfered in the deal. Initially unhappy with the move, Bouchard played only one game in the 1978–79 season and considered retirement. However, he returned next season to the NHL with Washington where he finished his career playing four seasons.