Former Ontario Hockey League commissioner and Canadian Hockey League president David Branch passed away at the age of 77. The OHL and CHL confirmed his death on Monday, noting that he had passed away the day before without disclosing the cause. Branch served as the OHL commissioner from 1979 until his retirement in 2024 and held the position of CHL president from 1996 to 2019.
OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford expressed sorrow over Branch’s passing, highlighting his significant contributions to the sport of hockey that will have a lasting impact for years to come. Branch’s dedication to prioritizing player welfare and enhancing the player experience was recognized by renaming the CHL player of the year award after him in 2019-20.
A native of Bathurst, New Brunswick, and a longtime resident of Whitby, Ontario, Branch was actively involved in various hockey-related committees and received accolades for his contributions to the sport, including induction into the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame. CHL President Dan MacKenzie praised Branch for his unwavering commitment to improving the player experience both on and off the ice, emphasizing that his leadership had a profound influence on the development of the game.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman described Branch as a “trusted colleague” and commended his efforts in advancing major junior hockey in Canada. Bettman acknowledged Branch’s lifelong dedication to the growth and well-being of players, noting his pivotal role in modernizing and expanding the OHL and CHL. Branch’s legacy also includes pioneering initiatives that focused on player safety, mental health support, and educational opportunities for young athletes.
Branch’s impact extended beyond the realm of hockey administration, as he introduced the OHL Scholarship Program to facilitate players’ access to post-secondary education. Reflecting on Branch’s tenure, Dean McIntosh, Vice President of Events and Properties at Hockey Canada, emphasized his visionary leadership and personal integrity, underscoring Branch’s lasting influence on the sport and his commitment to community engagement.
