Former Ontario Hockey League commissioner and Canadian Hockey League president David Branch has passed away at the age of 77. The OHL and CHL confirmed his death on Monday, revealing that he had died the previous Sunday. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Branch served as the OHL commissioner from 1979 until his retirement in 2024, and he held the position of CHL president from 1996 to 2019. OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford expressed deep sorrow at Branch’s passing, highlighting his significant contributions to the sport of hockey and his enduring impact on generations of players. Branch was known for prioritizing player welfare and enhancing the hockey experience.
In honor of his legacy, the CHL player of the year award was renamed after Branch in the 2019-20 season. Additionally, he was recognized with the leader of the year award, bestowed upon the top OHL executive. A native of Bathurst, New Brunswick, and a resident of Whitby, Ontario, Branch was a respected figure in the hockey community. 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 in 2017.
CHL president Dan MacKenzie praised Branch for his instrumental role in elevating the league to its current status as a premier developmental hockey platform. MacKenzie emphasized Branch’s dedication to enhancing the player experience both on and off the ice, resulting in a safer, faster, and more skilled game. Branch’s vision, leadership, and collaborative spirit were credited with driving significant advancements in the sport.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman fondly remembered Branch as a “trusted colleague” who worked tirelessly alongside him and deputy commissioner Bill Daly to advance hockey at all levels. Bettman commended Branch’s lifelong commitment to the growth, education, and well-being of junior hockey players in Canada. Branch’s influence and leadership were instrumental in shaping the OHL and CHL into vital pipelines for NHL talent.
The OHL recognized Branch for his pivotal role in steering the league through a period of remarkable growth and innovation, setting new benchmarks for junior hockey nationwide. Branch’s advocacy for player welfare was particularly highlighted, as he championed initiatives focusing on player safety, mental health support, and educational opportunities. He introduced the OHL Scholarship Program to ensure that players transitioning through the league had access to post-secondary education.
Dean McIntosh, Hockey Canada’s vice-president of events and properties, lauded Branch as a trailblazer and a compassionate individual who left an indelible mark on the hockey community. McIntosh underscored Branch’s transformative leadership within the Canadian Hockey League and his unwavering commitment to both the game and the well-being of its participants. Branch’s legacy as a pioneer and a philanthropic ambassador for hockey was celebrated during the press conference held in St. Paul, Minnesota.