[3] On February 8, 1966, the NHL awarded a franchise to the Hockey Club of Pittsburgh, Incorporated: a partnership of several investors headed by Pennsylvania State Senator Jack McGregor and his friend and business associate Peter Block.
McGregor became the public face of the ownership, as president and chief executive officer, and representing the club at Board of Governors meetings.
American Hockey League executive Jack Riley was named the club's general manager, and began immediately acquiring the services of players.
He signed minor-leaguers Les Binkley, Ted Lanyon, Dick Mattiussi and Bill Speer to contracts before the club had ever taken to the ice.
Beyond aging sniper Andy Bathgate and tough defenceman Leo Boivin, the first Penguins team was manned by a cast of former minor-leaguers.