OHL Honours Ken Bodendistel with ‘KB’ Sweater Patch

For the remainder of the 2013-14 season, the Ontario Hockey League is honouring the memory of longtime Officiating Supervisor Ken Bodendistel with a ‘KB’ patch stitched onto the left sleeve of all Officials’ sweaters.

Bodendistel passed away in November at the age of 73 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Beginning as a Supervisor in 1974-75, Bodendistel’s career also included a 12-year term as the league’s Director of Officiating from 1982-94 and most recently serving as Senior Officiating Manager for the past five seasons.  He began his officiating career in the 1960’s skating in the OHA and OHA Jr. A through 1968-69 before he was signed by the NHL.  Bodendistel worked professionally for two seasons in the NHL, WHL, and CHL before returning to referee OHA Jr. A for his final three seasons from 1971-72 to 1973-74.  In October, 2010, Bodendistel was inducted into his hometown Guelph Sports Hall of Fame. 

In August, the Board of Governor’s also established a new award for League on-ice officials entitled “The Bodie”, recognizing Ken for his contributions in the development of our League, particularly for his leadership, management and growth of our on-ice officials.

‘Bodie’ demonstrated passion, leadership and professionalism and was respected by OHL Member Teams and the many officials that he mentored throughout the years.