Former Ontario Hockey League commissioner and Canadian Hockey League president, David Branch, passed away at the age of 77. The OHL and CHL announced his death on Monday, noting that he had passed away the previous Sunday. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Branch held the position of OHL commissioner from 1979 until his retirement in 2024, as well as serving as the CHL president from 1996 to 2019. OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford expressed deep sorrow over Branch’s passing, highlighting his significant contributions to the sport of hockey and his lasting impact on future generations. The CHL Player of the Year award was renamed in his honor in the 2019-2020 season, along with the introduction of the Leader of the Year award for the top OHL executive.
Hailing from Bathurst, New Brunswick, and residing in Whitby, Ontario, Branch was recognized for his dedication to hockey. He was a member of 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.
CHL President Dan MacKenzie praised Branch for his unwavering commitment to enhancing the player experience both on and off the ice, emphasizing his pivotal role in shaping a safer, faster, and more skilled game. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman described Branch as a “trusted colleague” and commended his lifelong dedication to advancing major junior hockey in Canada.
Branch’s legacy includes spearheading initiatives focused on player welfare, such as promoting player safety, mental health support, and educational opportunities. He introduced the OHL Scholarship Program to ensure players could pursue post-secondary education. Additionally, Branch was remembered for his personal touch and community engagement, embodying the qualities of both a remarkable ambassador for the sport and a genuinely compassionate individual.