OHL Honours Ken Bodendistel with 'KB' Sweater Patch

Press Release

For the remainder of the 2013-14 season, the Ontario Hockey League is honouring the memory of longtime Officiating Supervisor Ken Bodendistel with a 'KB' patch stitched onto the left sleeve of all Officials' sweaters.

Bodendistel passed away in November at the age of 73 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Beginning as a Supervisor in 1974-75, Bodendistel's career also included a 12-year term as the league’s Director of Officiating from 1982-94 and most recently serving as Senior Officiating Manager for the past five seasons.  He began his officiating career in the 1960’s skating in the OHA and OHA Jr. A through 1968-69 before he was signed by the NHL.  Bodendistel worked professionally for two seasons in the NHL, WHL, and CHL before returning to referee OHA Jr. A for his final three seasons from 1971-72 to 1973-74.  In October, 2010, Bodendistel was inducted into his hometown Guelph Sports Hall of Fame.

In August, the Board of Governor’s also established a new award for League on-ice officials entitled “The Bodie”, recognizing Ken for his contributions in the development of our League, particularly for his leadership, management and growth of our on-ice officials.

‘Bodie’ demonstrated passion, leadership and professionalism and was respected by OHL Member Teams and the many officials that he mentored throughout the years.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)