Legendary 45-year OHL commissioner David Branch passes away

For decades now, the Ontario Hockey League has produced some of the biggest stars in the National Hockey League, and even today, they are regarded as one of, if not the best junior league in the entire world.

They owe many people thanks for this consistent success and immense level of play, but one person that deserves just as much credit as any is David Branch, who served as the Commissioner of the OHL between 1977 and 2024.

During that immense stretch, Branch took this league from a solid junior league to one where future NHL stars come through every single year, but recently, the tragic announcement of his passing was made.

At 77-years of age, Branch recently passed, and on social media, the tributes poured in to a man that gave his life to the game of hockey, as he dedicated so much time and love into making the OHL what it is today.

Over his time involved in the OHL, the league went from a small time junior league to arguably the best in Canada, and while his tenure ended in 2024, he will forever be remembered as a crucial piece of making hockey in Ontario what it is today.

We take this time to send our condolences to the friends, family and former co-workers of Branch, all of whom have nothing but incredible things to say about the former Commissioner.

Rest in Peace, David Branch.

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