Former Canadiens, Golden Seals hockey executive Frank Selke Jr. dead at 83

TORONTO - Noted Canadian sportsman Frank D. Selke Jr. has died at the age of 83.

The son of former Montreal Canadiens general manager Frank S. Selke, Frank Selke Jr. followed in his father's footsteps as an executive and publicity director of the hockey club from 1951 to 1965.

He appeared in the team photos of six Stanley Cup-winning Canadiens rosters, but never had his name engraved on the trophy.

Selke Jr. then served as team president and later general manager of the expansion Oakland Golden Seals, later called the California Golden Seals. He resigned in 1971 in a dispute with Charlie Finley, the team's new owner.

He became involved in the Special Olympics in 1969, serving with the organization for the rest of his life.

"Frank Selke was Special Olympics Canada's greatest ambassador for 44 years," said Lindsay Glassco, the president and chief executive officer of Special Olympics Canada in a statement. "He was the heart and soul of our movement, and the face of Special Olympics in our country's boardrooms and locker-rooms alike.

"We are grateful for all that he gave our movement and our athletes, and we know his gifts will continue to strengthen Special Olympics Canada for many years to come."

Selke became vice-president of the Canadian Sports Network, producers of Hockey Night in Canada, after leaving the Golden Seals organization.