OHL mourns the loss of John C. Hopper

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is mourning the loss of former North Bay Centennials owner John C. Hopper, who passed away on Monday in Picton, Ont. at the age of 88.

A prominent figure in North Bay, Hopper owned the Centennials from 1986 to 1998, through their glory years that culminated in an OHL Championship in 1994. It was the club’s lone title, one that came on an overtime winner during Game 7 of the Championship Series against the Detroit Jr. Red Wings on a goal scored by Jason Campeau at the Gardens.

In addition to his ownership of the Centennials, Hopper was a prominent figure in North Bay, serving two terms on City Council from 1972-73 and 1975-76. He owned a successful car dealership that still operates under his name on McKeown Avenue in North Bay.

Hopper was well-known for his support of local charities, serving as the chair for North Bay’s new Regional Health Centre nearly 20 years ago, where they raised more than $7 million for the new hospital.

For more on the life and career of John C. Hopper, visit baytoday.ca.