Peter Block, the founder and first owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins, died of cancer at his home in Santa Monica, Calif., on Sunday. He was 82.

Along with former Pennsylvania state senator Jack McGregor, Block was instrumental in bringing NHL hockey to Pittsburgh, and the city was awarded a franchise in 1966. The Penguins began play at the start of the 1967-68 season.

Block is survived by his wife, Donna, and their daughter, Jennifer.