George "Red" Sullivan, the inaugural coach of the Penguins, passed away this weekend in his hometown of Peterborough, Ontario. He was 89.
Sullivan posted a 27-34-13 record in his first season, then a 20-45-11 record in his second season. He was dismissed as head coach after failing to qualify for the playoffs in either season.
Prior to joining the Penguins, Sullivan played 556 NHL games over 12 seasons with the Bruins, Blackhawks and Rangers. Following his retirement in 1963, he was head coach of the Rangers until 1966.
Sullivan was briefly head coach of the Capitals during their inaugural season in 1974-75, and was also a scout for several teams.
Sullivan had dealt with Alzheimer's in his final years.
"When he passed it was a relief to see he was not suffering," Marion Sullivan, his wife of 67 years told The Peterborough Examiner. "He died very peacefully."
Sullivan is survived by four children, 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
