Bob Goodenow, who led the NHL Players’ Association through big gains and contentious negotiations, has died at 72, the NHLPA announced on Sept. 13.
No cause of death was given, but the union called it a ‘sudden passing.’
‘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 union said in a statement.
Goodenow played at Harvard University, for Team USA and in the International Hockey League. He was a player agent before he joined the NHLPA in 1990 as deputy executive director. He became executive director in 1992, succeeding the controversial Alan Eagleson.
The NHL went through a strike in 1992 and lockouts in 1994-95 and 2004-05 during Goodenow’s tenure. The 2004-05 lockout led to a canceled season as players and the NHL clashed over the league’s desire for a salary cap.
Players eventually accepted a salary cap as the league resumed play in 2005-06. Goodenow stepped aside in 2005 and was replaced by Ted Saskin.
Goodenow and the league also reached agreements to have NHL players take part in the Olympics.
‘During his tenure, Bob was relentless in the fight for players’ rights. He negotiated landmark gains in salary, free agency, pension and health benefits, and he led the players in taking control of their name, image and likeness rights in 1992,’ the NHLPA said in a statement. ‘He also helped to establish pioneering programs, such as player salary disclosure, the second medical opinion program for players, the agent certification program, and he worked with the NHL to implement the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program for players and their families.
‘Bob brought players into the modern business era of the game, building robust licensing and sponsorship programs at the NHLPA, investing in technology and education, and ensuring that players had a voice in shaping the future of the game. To deliver in these areas, and others, Bob took the NHLPA’s professional staff from only three people to more than 50 employees by the end of his tenure. Under Bob’s leadership, the Players’ Association and the league jointly launched the World Cup of Hockey in 1996 and brought NHL players to the Olympic Games for the first time in 1998 in Nagano, followed by Salt Lake City in 2002.’
“Bob was a skilled attorney and tenacious advocate for the players he represented as an agent and as the head of the Players’ Association,’ Bettman said in a statement. ‘We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Wendy, their three children, Joe, Katharine and Kerry, and his many friends and admirers throughout hockey.”