OHL mourns the loss of Ryan Held

The Ontario Hockey League is saddened by the loss of former Kitchener Rangers, Soo Greyhounds and London Knights forward Ryan Held, who passed away suddenly on August 16th at the age of 44.

Originally from Lambeth, Ont., Held played 247 regular season games over four OHL seasons from 1997-2001, recording 82 goals, 117 assists and 199 points while being selected by the New Jersey Devils in the ninth round of the 1998 NHL Draft. Originally a third round pick by Kitchener in the 1997 OHL Priority Selection, Held went on to score 31 goals for the Rangers during the 1999-2000 season.

Held went on to play U SPORTS men’s hockey for the Western Mustangs from 2001-05, winning a national championship in 2002. He’d go on to play a five-year professional career in the United States and Europe, retiring in 2010.

Following his athletic career, Held excelled as the Ontario Sales Manager for CBM Aggregates, where he was respected for his leadership and dedication. Off the field and beyond the office, he found joy in playing golf and baseball. However, his greatest pride came from the successes and happiness of his loved ones.

He is survived by his wife Laura and their children Payton and Ethan.

The league sends thoughts and condolences to Held’s friends and family. For more on the life and career of Ryan Held, visit mcfarlane-roberts.ca.