Former NHL Players' Association executive Bob Goodenow, who led the union through three labor disruptions and helped bring the NHL to the Olympics, has died. He was 72.

The union announced Goodenow’s death on Saturday. A spokesman for the NHLPA said the organization learned that Goodenow had died from his wife, but he did not know the cause of death.

“Bob was an exceptionally influential leader whose unwavering commitment to the players helped shape the modern era of the NHLPA,” the PA said in a statement. “Bob quickly put his stamp on the organization by elevating the level of representation provided by the NHLPA’s staff, tirelessly working to educate the players, strengthening the membership and building trust in the office’s work on behalf of the players.”

Goodenow’s achievements in

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