The ice hockey world mourns the loss of Bob Goodenow, former executive director of the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA), who passed away at the age of 72. The news of Goodenow’s death was announced on Saturday by the association itself. According to an NHLPA spokesperson, the death was learned through his wife, although the causes are unknown.
Goodenow left a significant mark on the organization, raising the level of representation provided by the NHLPA staff, working tirelessly to educate players, strengthening membership, and building trust in the work of the office on behalf of the players.Bob was an exceptionally influential leader whose unwavering commitment to the players helped shape the modern era of the NHLPA.
NHL Players’ Association
Goodenow assumed the position of second executive director of the NHLPA in 1992, replacing Alan Eagleson, who resigned amid accusations of fraud. He led the players through a 103-day lockout that stretched from October 1, 1994, to January 11, 1995, resulting in a season shortened to 48 games. The main issue was the implementation of a salary cap, which the team owners wanted and the players opposed. This issue resurfaced with the lockout that canceled the 2004-05 season. That lockout was resolved on July 13, 2005, with the implementation of a salary cap and a salary limit, as well as the guarantee that players would receive 54% of the total NHL revenue. Shortly after the agreement was reached, Goodenow was asked to resign as Executive Director of the NHLPA. He was replaced by Ted Saskin. A few months into Goodenow’s management, the NHLPA called a 10-day strike just before the start of the 1992 playoffs, which led to the players getting an increase in postseason bonuses and gaining control of their name, image, and likeness rights. Goodenow called the strike a “significant moment” for the association and said it marked the first time the owners began to take the NHLPA seriously. The strike led the owners to remove John Ziegler as NHL president, with Bettman becoming the league’s first commissioner in 1993. Among other contributions by Goodenow are helping the association establish an agent certification program, ensuring players’ right to obtain second medical opinions, and working with the NHL to implement a substance abuse and behavioral health program for players and their families. In 1999, he co-founded the NHLPA Goals & Dreams program, which continues to help build the sport by donating equipment and resources to hockey programs around the world.Bob was a skilled lawyer and a tenacious advocate for the players he represented as an agent and as head of the Players’ Association.
Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner
Goodenow expanded the association’s staff from three to more than 50 people. The Major League Baseball Players Association released a statement on X, crediting Goodenow for leaving a legacy that “will last for generations”. With vision and foresight, he skillfully navigated the modern business landscape and led NHL players to achieve historic breakthroughs. A Goodenow is survived by his wife, Wendy, three children, and three grandchildren.Bob ushered players into the modern era of the game business, building solid licensing and sponsorship programs in the NHLPA, investing in technology and education, and ensuring that players had a voice in shaping the future of the game.
NHL Players’ Association
