The hockey world is in mourning

Morrison passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a massive legacy that permanently shaped the modern structure of the NHL.

Born in Montreal, his lifelong impact on the sport stretched from the freezing ice surface all the way to the executive boardrooms in New York and Toronto.

He first made his mark wearing the black and white stripes. At just 24 years old, he became the youngest referee in the history of the league.

Officiating in the rough Original Six era required thick skin and serious grit. Morrison commanded respect from the most intimidating enforcers and superstars in the game night after night.

His transition to the front office proved to be even more significant for the business of hockey. The league tapped him as the vice president of project development back in 1986.

That executive role put him directly in charge of the Hockey Hall of Fame file. He eventually took over as the president of the esteemed institution and completely overhauled its operations.

Morrison was the driving force behind moving the Hall from the aging Canadian National Exhibition grounds to its current iconic location.

The new state-of-the-art facility at the corner of Yonge and Front streets in downtown Toronto officially opened its massive doors in the summer of 1993.

It gave diehard fans a beautiful cathedral to celebrate the greatest moments and players in the history of the sport. The building itself remains a masterpiece of hockey architecture today.

He officially stepped down from his demanding role as president in 1998 after completely revitalizing the fan experience and modernizing the interactive exhibits.

The selection committee recognized his massive contributions to the sport almost immediately. Morrison was rightfully inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 1999.

Over his NHL career, he watched the game evolve from the physical, grinding days of the early expansion eras to the fast-paced, highly skilled modern product we see today.

Current players and executives owe a massive debt of gratitude to his unmatched vision. He ensured the rich history of the game was protected and beautifully preserved for future generations.

The weekend schedule will undoubtedly feature moments of silence across arenas league-wide to honor his remarkable life, his dedication, and his incredible hockey journey.