LOS ANGELES (CP) -- Canadian Garnet (Ace) Bailey, the director of pro scouting for the Los Angeles Kings, was on board one of two planes that crashed into the World Trade Center on Tuesday, September 11, reports Canadian Press.

Bailey, a native of Lloydminster, Sask., was a passenger on United Airlines Flight 175 along with Kings scout Mark Bavis, an American. The plane was hijacked by terrorists who crashed it into the building.

"We just got confirmation from the family," said Kings spokesman Mike Altieri.

He was the first known Canadian casualty of the terrorist attack.

Bailey, 53, was a former Edmonton Oilers player and scout who was once a linemate of Wayne Gretzky.

"We are all deeply saddened by the loss of Ace Bailey," Gretzky, now part-owner of the Phoenix Coyotes, said in a release.

"Our hearts go out to his wife, Kathy, and his son, Todd. Ace may not have been the greatest hockey player to play in the NHL but he taught many players how to win championships and more importantly, he was a winner as a person. We will all miss him greatly."

Bailey was on his way to Los Angeles from his Boston-area home. The Kings were to open training camp Wednesday.

"First and foremost, we are shocked by the tragedies that have occurred today and the tremendous loss of life that has taken place," Kings senior vice-president Dave Taylor said in a release.

"We had a number of scouts travelling to Los Angeles today from all parts of the world as we prepare for the opening of training camp on Wednesday and, unfortunately, two of our staff members, Ace Bailey and Mark Bavis, were scheduled to be aboard United Airlines Flight 175.

"We have received confirmation from their families that both Ace and Mark were in fact on that flight and our entire organization is deeply saddened and shaken by the loss of these individuals."

Oilers general manager Kevin Lowe said he was devastated by the news that Bailey was a passenger on one of the aircraft that crashed into the World Trade Center.

"Ace was one of the most popular guys in the NHL, and he was a friend to all of us," Lowe said. "You will be hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn't been touched by his incredible personality, and words simply can't express how we feel right now. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Ace's wife Kathy and his son Todd."

Lowe also has extended sympathy to Bavis's family.

Bailey, who had seven Stanley Cup rings, was entering his 32nd season in the NHL as a player or scout. He was in his eighth year as Kings director of pro scouting after being an Oilers scout for 13 years.

He won the Stanley Cup as a winger with the Boston Bruins in 1970 and 1972. He also played for the Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals. He compiled 107 goals, 171 points and 278 assists in 11 NHL seasons.

He finished his playing career in 1978-79 in the World Hockey Association with the Edmonton Oilers. After one-year coaching stints in Houston and Wichita of the Central Hockey League, Bailey became a scout for Edmonton and helped the team to five Stanley Cups.

He and his wife, Kathy, have a home in Lynnfield, Mass., a suburb of Boston.