Former NHL linesmen and Plympton-Wyoming native Neil Armstrong has passed away at the age of 87.
In a tweet on Sunday, the St. Louis Blues announced that Armstrong died early Sunday morning. Armstrong's son, Doug Armstrong is currently the general manager of the Blues.
The Camlachie-born Armstrong began his career as a linesman for the NHL in 1957. During his 21 years with the league, he officiated 1,774 games before his retirement in 1978. In 1991, Armstrong was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
After his retirement as an official, Armstrong turned to scouting, joining the Montreal Canadiens. Throughout his career, he was also a golf pro at the Sarnia Golf and Curling Club in the summer, a pastime he carried into his retirement.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued a statement offering his condolences to the Armstrong family. "...when one reflects on Neil's incredible impact on the game and the attributes that earned him induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, it was the universal respect that General Managers, Coaches, and his peers had for him that stood out the most." Bettman said.
Armstrong would have celebrated his 88th birthday later this month.
https://twitter.com/StLouisBlues/status/1335622308979937282