Former NHLPA executive director tragically passes away at age 72
Photo credit: NHL
Tragic news reported today for the hockey community, as the NHL has confirmed that former NHLPA executive director Bob Goodenow passed away at the age of 72.
Today, the hockey community is in mourning, as the NHL has confirmed the passing of Bob Goodenow at the age of 72. The former executive director of the NHLPA joined the organization in 1990 as Deputy Executive Director. He'd later transition to Executive Director, where he'd remain until 2005.
Upon hearing news of Goodenow's passing, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued a profound statement regarding his colleague:
The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Bob Goodenow, a hockey man to his core who was a captain of the team at Harvard and played professionally in the IHL before serving as a player agent and as Executive Director of the NHL Players' Association for 14 years.
«Bob was a skilled attorney and tenacious advocate for the players he represented as an agent and as the head of the Players' Association. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Wendy, their three children, Joe, Katharine and Kerry, and his many friends and admirers throughout hockey.
«Bob was a skilled attorney and tenacious advocate for the players he represented as an agent and as the head of the Players' Association. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Wendy, their three children, Joe, Katharine and Kerry, and his many friends and admirers throughout hockey.
Bob Goodenow's Legacy With the NHLPA
The former NHLPA Executive Director was a native of Dearborn, Michigan, and succeeded Alan Eagleson as the head of the union in 1992.
Bob Goodenow's reputation is well-known within NHL circles as someone who advocated for the players' rights. Along with negotiating through two lockouts, he organized programs that grew the game of hockey, with the Goals & Dreams program in 1999.
Players would be able to contribute to growing the game globally by donating new equipment and resources worldwide for communities that are strapped financially.
"Bob's legacy is perhaps best captured by the trust and pride he built among the players. Through unwavering advocacy, he created unity in a diverse, global membership, reinforcing that the players are not just participants in the game, but essential to its success.
The modern NHLPA, and the work it has done to improve the quality of life for thousands of players past and present, is a direct result of the foundation that Bob Goodenow built. His impact on the game of hockey is lasting and profound."
The modern NHLPA, and the work it has done to improve the quality of life for thousands of players past and present, is a direct result of the foundation that Bob Goodenow built. His impact on the game of hockey is lasting and profound."
Goodenow's legacy is one that will be remembered as a force for good in the hockey world. He advocated for the players through a 103-day lockout against the salary cap in 1994, and pledged to fight it through the 2004-05 season, which was marked by his advocacy.
We here at Red Wings Insider send our deepest condolences to Goodenow's family, friends, and colleagues. His legacy cannot be understated.
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