Ace & Mark – Still remembered, still honored 21 years later

21 Years.

For many, 21 years is the mark of someone moving into adulthood. On this day, however, 21 years is a mark of reflection. 21 years ago today, two members of the LA Kings family were amongst those who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks. Garnet “Ace” Bailey and Mark Bavis, both members of the LA Kings scouting staff, were amongst those taken from us on United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston’s Logan Airport.

Bailey, who was 53, was entering his eighth season as the Director of Professional Scouting for the Kings. Bailey won seven Stanley Cups – two as a player and five as a scout – as a part of 33 seasons at the NHL level, between his playing and scouting careers. Bailey had been a part of six different NHL organizations at the time of his death.

Bavis, who was 31, was entering his second season with the Kings as a professional scout. The Kings were Bavis’ first NHL organization, after he had spent time as a coach with Harvard University. A ninth-round selection by the Rangers, Bavis played three seasons professionally in the AHL and ECHL following a four-season career at Boston University.

Each game the Kings play, Ace and Mark are still with the team, via stickers worn on the back of each player’s helmet. Though no players from the 2001-02 LA Kings are still active in the NHL as players, the legacies of two members of the organization who lost their lives on that day still live on through the present-day squad.

To support the legacies of Ace and Mark, consider a donation to the Mark Bavis Leadership Foundation (markbavisleadershipfoundation.org) or Ace’s Place (tuftschildrenshospital.org/patient-care-services/departments-and-services/child-life-services/aces-place) at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.