OHL Mourns the Loss of Randy Boyd

The Ontario Hockey League is mourning the loss of former Ottawa 67’s defenceman and long-time pro Randy Boyd who passed away on Thursday just three days shy of his 60th birthday.

A native of Coniston, Ont., Boyd was selected by the 67’s with the fifth overall pick of the 1979 OHA Priority Selection from the North Bay Trappers Jr. A program. He’d go on to become the League’s Defenceman of the Year, earning the Max Kaminsky Trophy with 54 points (11-43–54) in 64 games during the 1980-81 season. He played parts of three seasons in Ottawa under head coach Brian Kilrea. After starting the 1981-82 campaign with 38 points (9-29–38) through 26 games on the back end, the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins summoned Boyd for the remainder of the season. He graduated with 116 points (23-93–116) over 155 career regular season games.

A third round (51st overall) pick by Pittsburgh in the 1980 NHL Draft, Boyd went on to play 257 career regular season games in the NHL between the Penguins, Chicago, the New York Islanders and Vancouver. His pro career also took him through the AHL, IHL, CHL and two seasons in Austria.

Boyd stepped behind the bench with the CHL’s Memphis Riverkings for one season following retirement. He’d later settle in Marietta, Georgia where he volunteered his time with the Atlanta Fire Youth Hockey program.

Boyd is survived by his ex-wife, Kathleen, and three children; Connor, Brendan, and Taylor.

The OHL and the Ottawa 67’s extend their sincerest condolences to Boyd’s loved ones, and are keeping our thoughts with them during this difficult time.