Former NHLPA Executive Director Goodenow Dies at 72

Bob Goodenow, the former executive director of the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA), passed away suddenly at age 72. Serving as NHLPA executive director from 1992 to 2005, Goodenow was a tenacious advocate for players, leading them through two major lockouts, including the full-season 2004-05 lockout, and negotiating landmark agreements such as the implementation of a salary cap and improvements in player benefits and rights. A former hockey player himself, Goodenow was captain of Harvard's hockey team and played professionally in the IHL before becoming a skilled attorney and player agent. He significantly modernized the NHLPA by elevating staff representation, educating players, and establishing programs for player health, salary disclosure, and agent certification. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and the NHLPA both paid tribute to Goodenow's influential leadership and dedication to players' rights, expressing condolences to his family. His legacy includes strengthening the collective bargaining power of NHL players and advancing their interests on and off the ice.