End of an era: OHL commissioner to retire after 45-year tenure
David Branch, the only commissioner the current version of the Ontario Hockey League has known, announced his imminent retirement Thursday.
Branch, 74, stated in a league news release that the 2023-24 season will be his last in charge. The Bathurst, New Brunswick, native will step down after 45 years in such a role.
“It’s been an honor to serve in this capacity,” Branch said. “I’m very thankful for the great deal of support I’ve received and the tremendous lifelong friendships I’ve made along the way.”
“I’m grateful.”
Reaction from Otters
Branch’s broad thanks included the Erie Otters, a two-time league champion since the franchise moved here from Niagara Falls, Ontario, in 1996.
The Otters are one of 20 franchises currently in the league. There were 12 when its initial puck drop occurred in the fall of 1980.
Dave Brown has served as Erie’s general manager since 2010.
Brown, in his comments about Branch’s announcement, went as far as to refer to him as having the greatest influence on the modern version of the game.
“He’s made changes that the hockey industry has envied,” Brown said. “The way in which the game has changed for the better has forced all other leagues to follow suit. Our players’ environment is elite. Our academic packages are excellent. Our style of play is what other leagues are trying to emulate.”
“We’ll miss David’s leadership, compassion and determination to make the Ontario Hockey League a better place for every player and person who’s involved in day-to-day operations.”
A tumultuous start
Branch’s tenure as a commissioner dates to Sept. 17, 1979, when the OHL was officially known as the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League. He followed Sherwood “Sherry” Bassin, who 17 years later helped bring the league’s Niagara Falls, Ontario, franchise to Erie.
The OMJHL, which at the time was involved in a lengthy dispute with the parent Ontario Hockey Association, broke away and joined the rival Canadian Major Junior Hockey League.
Since 1980, the renamed Canadian Hockey League has consisted of the OHL, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The champions of those three leagues then vie for the Memorial Cup, as does the franchise that hosts the tournament.
Erie, as the OHL’s representative, competed in that four-team event in 2002 and 2017.
The 2023-24 Otters bid to be the last team handed the league’s Robertson Cup by Branch. They’ll debut Sept. 29 at Mississauga, and then host the Steelheads the next day at Erie Insurance Arena.
More: What are notable home dates to circle on the Erie Otters' schedule for the 2023-24 season?
There’s no word yet if Branch will stop in Erie before the March 23 regular season finale against the Kitchener Rangers.
“It’s been a pleasure to work alongside some of the most outstanding people in the game,” Branch said. “I’ve had the chance to witness firsthand how our great game continues to evolve and improve.”
The league will form a search committee to determine Branch’s successor. Further details will be announced next week.
Contact Mike Copper at mcopper@timesnews.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @ETNcopper.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: OHL commissioner David Branch announces impending retirement
