The Western Hockey League has lost its leader.

     Ed Chynoweth, WHL Chairman of the Board and President of the Kootenay Ice Hockey Club, passed away Tuesday morning in Calgary.

     Born in Dodsland, Saskatchewan, Chynoweth, 66, was the driving force behind the growth and development of Major Junior Hockey throughout Canada over the past four decades.  Chynoweth’s career in both the WHL and the Canadian Hockey League spanned 37 years.  He was appointed President of the WHL in 1972, and held that position for 23 years before becoming the majority owner of a WHL-expansion franchise in Edmonton in 1996.  The franchise relocated to Cranbrook, British Columbia, in 1998.

     Chynoweth also played a major role in the game at the National level, serving as President of the CHL for 20 years from 1975–1995.  The WHL Chairman of the Board has served in this capacity on two separate occasions since 1996, and also has served as a member of the CHL Board of Directors. 

     Ed’s son Dean was a Defenseman with the Medicine Hat Tigers when they won back-to-back Memorial Cup Championships in 1987 and 1988.  In his capacity as CHL President in 1988, Ed had the privilege of presenting his son Dean, as Captain of the Tigers, the Memorial Cup.  Dean is enjoying a successful WHL career currently serving as General Manager and Head Coach of the Swift Current Broncos. 

     Ed is also survived by his wife Linda of 45 years.  Ed and Linda have resided in Calgary since 1976.  Prior to moving to Calgary with the transfer of the WHL headquarters, Ed and Linda resided in Saskatoon.