BOSTON — Tom McVie, who coached the Winnipeg Jets to the 1979 World Hockey Association championship over Wayne Gretzky’s Edmonton Oilers in the final year before the franchises were absorbed into the NHL, has died. He was 89.

Tom McVie, a Boston Bruins ambassador who coached the New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets, died at the age of 89.

FILE - Winnipeg Jets alumni coach Tom McVie picks Teemu Selanne (13) to take the penalty shot as Ab McDonald listens, in against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period of the NHL Heritage Classic alumni game, Oct. 22, 2016, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP, File) AP

Tom McVie, Boston Bruins ambassador and former coach for the Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils and Winnipeg Jets, is dead at age of 89.

The entire Boston Bruins organization is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tom McVie,” club president Cam Neely said in a team release. “Tom was a huge part of our Bruins family, having served as a coach,

Tom McVie, who coached the Winnipeg Jets to the 1979 World Hockey Association championship before moving on to a head-coaching career in the NHL with the Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils, died at the age of 89.

McVie made his NHL head coaching debut when he succeeded Hall of Famer Milt Schmidt in Washington on New Year’s Eve in 1975, but he never finished higher than fourth before heading to the WHA.

He spent a total of 37 years with the Boston Bruins organization during two stints and made an impact on everyone he met. McVie was a great ambassador for the game and made everyone laugh with his unique perspective on the game.