David Branch, the former commissioner of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and president of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), has passed away at the age of 77. His tenure as OHL commissioner spanned from 1979 until his retirement in 2024, and he significantly impacted player welfare and safety, evidenced by the OHL Scholarship Program he introduced. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman praised Branch as a “trusted colleague,” noting his dedication to player development and his visionary leadership. Branch’s legacy includes the renaming of the CHL player of the year award in his honor and recognition in various halls of fame.
