What Happened to Garnet Edward "Ace" Bailey?

Garnet Edward "Ace" Bailey, born on June 13, 1948, in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada, carved out a significant career in professional ice hockey spanning over three decades. He began his playing career as a left winger, notably with the Boston Bruins, where he was a member of two Stanley Cup-winning teams in 1970 and 1972. Bailey also played for the Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, and Edmonton Oilers during his 11 seasons in the NHL, accumulating 107 goals and 171 assists in 568 regular-season games.

After retiring as a player in 1979, Bailey transitioned into scouting, a role where he continued to excel. He first served as a scout for the Edmonton Oilers, contributing to five more Stanley Cup victories for the team in the 1980s (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990). His keen eye for talent and engaging personality made him a respected figure in the hockey world. He later became the Director of Pro Scouting for the Los Angeles Kings, a position he held for seven years.

Bailey's life took a tragic turn on September 11, 2001. He was aboard United Airlines Flight 175, traveling from Boston to Los Angeles for the Kings' training camp, along with fellow scout Mark Bavis. The flight was hijacked by terrorists and deliberately crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City, killing all 65 people on board, including Bailey, who was 53 years old. Airphone records indicate he attempted to call his wife four times before the crash.

The consequences of his death resonated deeply within the hockey community and beyond. The Los Angeles Kings honored his memory by naming their mascot "Bailey" in 2007. The Ace Bailey Children's Foundation was established to benefit hospitalized children, infants, and their families, continuing his spirit of generosity. He is also memorialized at the National September 11 Memorial in New York City on Panel S-3 of the South Pool, alongside Mark Bavis.

Even years after his passing, Bailey's impact is still recognized. In 2021, on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the Kings organization continued to ensure that the memory of Bailey and Bavis remained ever-present. Most recently, on June 13, 2025, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, who considered Bailey a mentor and close friend from their time together with the Edmonton Oilers, shared a heartfelt tribute to him on Instagram, highlighting their close bond and Bailey's significant influence on his early professional career. This ongoing remembrance underscores the lasting legacy of Garnet "Ace" Bailey as a beloved figure in hockey.