The Los Angeles Kings announced the death of Nanaimo's Gene Carr on Thursday, Dec. 14. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Nanaimo's own

Former NHLer Gene Carr of Nanaimo passes away

Dec 14, 2023 | 4:40 PM

NANAIMO — One of the few players from the Harbour City to play in the National Hockey League has passed away.

On Thursday, Dec. 14, the Los Angeles Kings announced the passing of Gene Carr, who played eight seasons in the NHL with five teams in the 1970’s.

He was 72-years-old.

A recognizable figure in Nanaimo throughout his life, Carr played for the St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Atlanta Flames.

Carr registered a career high 17 goals and 54 points in 70 games with the Penguins in the 1977/78 season.

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Carr, a smooth-skating centre with trademark long blonde hair, was selected fourth overall by St. Louis in the 1971 NHL Draft.

He compiled 76 goals and 136 assists for 215 points in 465 NHL games.

In a tweet, Hockey Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Miller said Carr was outgoing and friendly.

Miller stated Carr joined the Kings during his first year broadcasting the team’s games.

“At that time, you were really impressed with how strong a skater he was. In those days players did not wear helmets. One of the big reasons I feel Gene became such a fan favorite was how his golden blonde locks would flow as he skated up and down the ice.”

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