Bob Goodenow, former NHLPA executive director, passes away at age 72

Former NHL Players’ Association executive director Bob Goodenow, who held the post for 13 years and led players through two long work stoppages, has died.

The NHLPA said in a release that Goodenow died suddenly at age 72. A cause of death was not given.

Goodenow became the NHLPA’s second executive director in 1992, succeeding Alan Eagleson who had stepped down amid allegations of fraud.

He led players through a 103-day lockout that lasted from Oct. 1, 1994, to Jan. 11, 1995 and saw the season shortened to 48 games.

At issue was the implementation of a salary cap, which owners wanted and players opposed. The issue came to a head again with the lockout that wiped out the 2004-05 NHL season.

The lockout was resolved on July 13, 2005, with the implementation of a salary cap, as well as a salary floor and a guarantee that players would get 54 per cent of total NHL revenues.

“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 NHLPA said in a release.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Bob’s wife, Wendy, his children, Joe, Katharine and Kerry, and grandchildren, Kelsey, RL and Oona, as well as his family and friends. He will forever remain a vital part of the NHLPA family.”

Shortly after the agreement was reached, Goodenow was asked to step down as NHLPA executive director and was replaced by Ted Saskin.

Goodenow was born in Dearborn, Mich., on Oct. 29, 1952. He graduated from Harvard University in 1974 and from the University of Detroit Law School in 1979.

“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,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.

“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.”