OHL mourns loss of coaching legend

The Canadian Hockey League lost one of its greatest coaches and greatest friends recently with the passing of legendary coach Bert Templeton.

Templeton, 63, died Dec. 5 of cancer after a lifetime of dedicating his life to the great game of hockey and to the young men who played it in the Ontario Hockey League.

The second winningest coach in OHL history, Templeton’s 907 career regular season victories rank him only behind Hockey Hall of Famer Brian Kilrea, who has more than 1,000 wins and is still coaching.

Templeton started his OHL coaching career with the Hamilton Fincups in 1974, winning a Memorial Cup with them two seasons later.

He also coached in Niagara Falls, North Bay, Barrie and Sudbury in his 26 seasons in the OHL, spending 12 years in North Bay and winning the OHL championship there in 1994.

Templeton was the OHL Coach of the Year in 1975 and 1994 and won the OHL Executive of the Year Award in 1992 and again in 1996. His team’s won eight division championships and he also coached Canada’s national junior team as well.

But according to those that knew him, Templeton’s coaching numbers only tell part of the story.

“He was one of the most intelligent people I have ever met in the game,” said CHL President and OHL Commissioner David Branch. “He had a strong passion for the game and was always looking at the big picture at the end of the day.

“Bert grew with the times, he changed with the times. He was an innovator and a teacher. He was part of the OHL family for 26 yearsit’s a huge loss.”

A fierce competitor who got the most out of his teams, he was always respected by the teams and other coaches and managers who faced him.

“When you competed against Bert Templeton, you were in for a battle,” said Sherry Bassin, now the owner of the Erie Otters and a long-time foe from his days managing teams in Oshawa and Sault Ste. Marie.

“His teams were always well coached and they were committed teams. His teams never gave up and we’ll always remember the great contribution he made to the sport.

“It’s a sad, sad time for junior hockey.”

George Burnett, coach and general manager of the Oshawa Generals, has known and played with and coached against Templeton for years.

“His legacy speaks for itself,” Burnett said. “When you win 900 games and bring the passion he did to the rink everyday, there’s nothing else that has to be said.

“He made his players better. He’s one of the most outstanding coaches that has ever passed through this hockey league or any hockey league.

“We’re going to miss him.”

Greg Gilbert, now coach of the Mississauga Ice Dogs, has spent a lot of time playing and coaching in the NHL and he’s seen the effect Templeton has had on so many players in pro hockey.

“Bert has been so great for this year for years and years,” Gilbert said. “He’s helped a lot of players get to the NHL.

“He was a great coach and a great hockey person. He’s going to be deeply missed.”

The Canadian Hockey League and all its member teams wish to express our deepest sympathies to Bert’s family and his many, many, many friends and former players. He will not be forgotten.

By Roger Lajoie / CHL Communications