David Branch, 77, Has Passed Away

David Branch, the former commissioner of the Ontario Hockey League and president of the Canadian Hockey League, has passed away at the age of 77.

The OHL and CHL shared news of his passing on Monday, noting that he died on Sunday. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Branch served as commissioner of the OHL from 1979 until his retirement in 2024. He was also president of the CHL from 1996 to 2019.

“This is a very sad day for a lot of people,” said OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford. “David’s contributions to the game of hockey will continue to impact the game for generations. The entire league mourns the loss of a great leader and visionary who oversaw the growth and evolution of the Ontario Hockey League, always prioritizing the players and putting their experience first.”

The CHL player of the year award was renamed in his honor during the 2019-20 season, along with an award given to recognize top OHL executives.

A native of Bathurst, N. B., Branch had lived in Whitby, Ont., for many years. He served on the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee, received the Order of Hockey in Canada in 2016, and was inducted into the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame as a builder in 2017.

“The CHL would not be the top development hockey league in the world without David Branch,” stated CHL president Dan Mac Kenzie. “His relentless focus on player experience, both on and off ice, will be his greatest legacy; as a result, hockey is safer, faster, and more skilled because of his influence and leadership.”

‘Trusted colleague’: Bettman

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman referred to Branch as a “trusted colleague,” mentioning how he worked alongside him and deputy commissioner Bill Daly on numerous initiatives aimed at expanding hockey at all levels.

“David Branch devoted his life’s work to major junior hockey in Canada while always prioritizing player development, education, and well-being,” Bettman said in a statement. “Throughout nearly five decades serving as president for both leagues-Ontario Hockey League and Canadian Hockey League-David combined his passion for hockey with visionary leadership that guided tremendous growth and modernization for leagues that have long been prime sources for NHL talent.”

In its announcement about him passing away, OHL recognized Branch’s role in leading “the OHL through an era marked by remarkable growth and progress while establishing standards that elevated junior hockey nationwide.”

“Mr. Branch was a pioneer who prioritized player welfare by championing initiatives addressing player safety concerns, mental health support systems, and educational advancements.”

He introduced an OHL Scholarship Program ensuring players from throughout this league would have access to higher education opportunities.

“David’s impact on junior hockey across Canada can’t be measured,” said Katherine Henderson-the president and CEO-of Hockey Canada in her statement.

“He played an important role helping establish Hockey Canada’s Program Excellence program; he was honored through induction into Order Of Hockey In Canada back in two thousand sixteen! Our thoughts are with family members during these difficult times; we know that what he created will continue influencing future generations within this beloved sport!”

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