The hockey world mourns the loss of two legends today

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is an update to our earlier published article on the passing of Hockey Hall of Famer Bob Pulford. We have since learned that longtime OHL Commissioner David Branch has also passed away today and have revised the article to mention the death of both of these hockey legends.

For our earlier report on Pulford, read further down the page.

Longtime OHL Commissioner David Branch has passed away at age 77.

Branch was Branch was commissioner of the OHL from 1979 until his retirement in 2024. He was also president of the CHL from 1996 until 2019.

“This is a very sad day for a lot of people,” said OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford in a prepared statement. “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.”

Branch was a pioneer of the sport at the junior level and is largely responsible for the growth of the CHL over the past four decades.

“David Branch devoted his life’s work to major junior hockey in Canada, always prioritizing the development, education and well-being of its players,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “Throughout his nearly 50 years serving as president of both the Ontario Hockey League and the Canadian Hockey League, David combined his passion for the game and visionary leadership to guide tremendous growth and modernization for the leagues that have long been the greatest source of players who make the NHL.”

RIP, David Branch. Gone, but never forgotten.

Toronto Maple Leafs legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Bob Pulford has passed away at age 89.

With the Leafs, Pulford won four Stanley Cups, including back to back to back championships from 1961-1964, through his hard-nosed, tough style of play. He earned a reputation for being one of the most rugged centers to ever play in the NHL. He finished his career with the Los Angeles Kings and would go on to be an influential head coach with both the Kings and, later on, the Chicago Blackhawks.

Suffice it to say that the man is a legend of the sport. He was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1991 and was the definition of a 'hockey lifer'. The game was in his blood and he was involved with it until his dying days.

More on Pulford from NHL.com:

Beyond his accomplishments on the ice, Bob was a trailblazer for players’ rights. In 1967, he became the first President of the NHL Players’ Union, playing a key role in early collective bargaining and helping lay the foundation for the modern NHLPA.

After his playing career, Bob continued to shape the sport from behind the bench and in the front office. He served as Head Coach of the Los Angeles Kings and the Chicago Blackhawks, and remained a vital part of the Chicago Blackhawks organization for over 30 years in senior leadership roles, mentoring many players to continue on in Coaching and VP positions with many Teams. His lifelong contributions to the game were formally recognized with his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991, cementing his place among hockey’s all-time greats.

Bob, along with his teammates of the 1967 Leafs Stanley Cup Team, was awarded the 2024 NHL Alumni Keith Magnuson Man of the Year Award.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his beloved wife, Roslyn Pulford, and his children, Wanda Lombardi (Dean), Rob Pulford (Elaine), Lindsay Barrett (Daniel)and Jennifer MacRitchie, as well as his grandchildren. Please know that your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. May you find comfort in Bob’s extraordinary legacy and in the countless lives he touched both on and off the ice as an integral part of the NHL Alumni Family.

Rest in peace, Bob. Your impact on hockey and on all who had the privilege of knowing you will never be forgotten.