Two southwestern Ontario OHL teams are mourning the death of a former coach.
The London Knights and Windsor Spitfires confirmed on social media Wayne Maxner died Thursday. He was 80-years-old.
Maxner, a Halifax-native, coached the London Knights for four seasons from 1986 to 1990. He also had three coaching stints with the Spits, which included leading the team to the OHL final in 1980.
Maxner's NHL career saw him play 62 games over two seasons with the Boston Bruins in the mid-60s and rise to head coach of the Detroit Red Wings. He held that position from 1980 to 1982.
In a tweet, the Knights said the organization was "saddened" to learn of Maxner's passing.
"Our thoughts are with Wayne's family and friends," the London team wrote with a heart emoji at the end.
The Spitfires also expressed sympathy on social media.
"The Windsor Spitfires mourn the passing of former GM/Coach Wayne Maxner," the organization said. "Our thoughts are with Wayne’s family and friends and all of the players he had a privilege coaching and mentoring. Wayne was truly a legend."
