RIP: WHL chairman Ed Chynoweth

Ed Chynoweth, Western Hockey League's Chairman of the Board, passed away today after a year plus battle with cancer. He was 66.

Chynoweth's contributions to major junior hockey are incredible. If you do not know much about this man, I encourage you to read what Greg Drinnan has written here and here. You'll quickly understand why he was so well-respected. Without Chynoweth's 37 years of service, the WHL would not be the leader it is in both player development and education opportunities.

He is survived by his wife Linda and sons Dean, GM/coach of the Saskatoon Blades, and Jeff, GM of the Kootenay Ice. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, particularly Dean Chynoweth, whom I consider a friend.

Update: For more on Ed Chynoweth's legacy, read the Eric Duhatschek-penned obituary in the Globe & Mail.