WHL & CHL mourn passing of NHL executive Jim Gregory

The Western Hockey League and Canada Hockey League are mourning the loss of former NHL executive Jim Gregory.

An honoured member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and a former CHL general manager, Gregory passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 83.

Known as a hockey ambassador around the globe, Gregory got his start with the OHA’s St. Michael’s College School and Toronto Marlboros before serving as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1969-79. He then transitioned into an executive role with the National Hockey League, one that spanned the course of four decades.

“The Ontario Hockey League and our great game has lost one of its true builders and ambassadors with the passing of Jim Gregory,” said Ontario Hockey League Commissioner David Branch. “Jim’s contributions and his care and support for so many people who he came into contact with throughout his life cannot be overstated.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s family during this most difficult time.  He will be greatly missed by all.”

Some of Gregory’s most notable contributions to the game include being among the first NHL general managers to sign and import players from Europe while also overseeing the advent of video goal review in his role as the NHL’s Sr. Vice President of Hockey Operations.

Born in Port Colborne, Ont. before growing up in nearby Dunnville, Gregory got his managerial start with the OHA’s St. Michael’s College School and Toronto Marlboros, guiding both teams to great success within Ontario’s hockey system.

Gregory served as Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee from 1998-2014 and was a Distinguished honouree of the Order of Hockey in Canada in 2015.

“Jim was one of the finest gentlemen you could ever meet and, without question, was one of the most respected people in the game,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison.

“Jim was not only a major supporter of the Canadian Hockey League but a leading ambassador for the game at all levels throughout North America.”

In 2012, the CHL announced that the player of the game awards at the annual Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game would be named in his honour.

Jim Gregory was the devoted husband of Rosalie for 60 years, the father of Andrea, Valerie, Maureen and David and was also a grandfather of 13.

For more on the life and career of Jim Gregory, visit NHL.com.