The Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), and the hockey community as a whole are grieving the loss of former long-time Commissioner David Branch, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 77.
A proud native of Bathurst, New Brunswick, and a longtime resident of Whitby, he had an impressive 45-year run as OHL Commissioner, showing his deep commitment to nurturing young hockey players and promoting the sport.
From 1979 until his retirement in the summer of 2024, he led the OHL during a time of remarkable growth and advancement, setting high standards that uplifted junior hockey throughout Canada.
His impact reached well beyond Ontario. Serving as President of the Canadian Hockey League from 1996 to 2019, David Branch played a key role in shaping major junior hockey across Canada. He worked hard to improve player development, educational opportunities, and enhance the overall experience for junior hockey players. Under his guidance, the CHL solidified its status as the top development league for aspiring hockey talent worldwide.
Branch was ahead of his time when it came to focusing on player welfare. He advocated for initiatives that improved player safety, mental health support, and educational advancement. By introducing the OHL Scholarship Program, he ensured that players leaving the league could pursue post-secondary education-acknowledging that success in hockey should lead to opportunities off the ice as well.
“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 would not be the top development hockey league in the world without David Branch,” said Dan Mac Kenzie, President of the CHL. “His relentless focus on the player experience, both on and off the ice, will be his greatest legacy as the game is safer, faster and more skilled because of his influence and leadership. He had both vision and determination to accomplish big things while bringing people together to achieve them. He was a true builder whose rightful place should be in the Hockey Hall of Fame one day.”
In recognition of his significant contributions to Canadian hockey, David Branch received formal acknowledgment through several honors including being awarded with Order of Hockey in Canada in 2016-an accolade fitting for someone who devoted himself to building grassroots initiatives within sports development. In 2017 he was inducted into Whitby Sports Hall of Fame as a builder which further highlights his strong support for local minor hockey programs. Additionally he served on Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee sharing his insights about those who made remarkable contributions within this sport.
Over his career duration David Branch was respected not only for administrative skills but also for genuinely caring about young athletes under OHL’s guidance knowing full well how crucial junior level experiences shape future paths beyond just professional careers; ultimately focusing more towards developing responsible individuals rather than solely concentrating upon athletic capabilities alone.
The world has lost an incredible force behind building up this beautiful game whose effects will resonate through future generations.
Funeral arrangements along with details concerning memorial services will be shared shortly.
Photo courtesy of OHL
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