Hockey world mourns the death of former commissioner at age 77

It's with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a legend: the OHL, CHL, and hockey community is saddened by the death of former commissioner David Branch at the age of 77.

A life-long resident of Whitby, Ontario, and a native of Bathurst, New Brunswick, Branch was a leader of the OHL for a whopping 45 years, from 1979 until his well-deserved retirement in 2024.

A visionary and pace-setting leader as CHL President from 1996 to 2019, he helped shape the youth hockey industry in Canada through his emphasis on player development as well as education.

Branch revolutionized programs in the areas of player safety, mental health services, and education, which included the OHL Scholarship Program; this provided young players the opportunity for post-secondary education.

He was recognized for his accomplishments with the Order of Hockey in Canada back in 2016, as well as the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.

Another award in his name includes the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award and the OHL David Branch Leader of the Year Award.

Branch was known for his organizational abilities and extreme care for his players. He recognized that junior hockey was more about developing young people for their entire lives rather than simply a career in the sport of hockey.

Unfortunately, we've lost a true builder and leader in the hockey community. Our thoughts go out to his wife, Patsy, and sons, Barclay, Kyle, and Wade, their families, and all of their friends on this sad occasion. May David rest in peace.

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