OHL mourns the loss of Bob JonesThe Ontario Hockey League is saddened by news of the loss of former OHL coach and defenceman Bob Jones, who passed away on Friday at the age of 54 following a battle with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
Jones shared news of his ALS diagnosis in January 2023 and continued to serve in an assistant coaching capacity with the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, who he has worked with since the start of the 2019-20 season.
A back-to-back J. Ross Robertson Cup and Memorial Cup champion as associate coach of the Windsor Spitfires in 2009 and 2010, Jones spent a total of 21 seasons behind the bench in the OHL, serving as an assistant in Sault Ste. Marie (1995-99), Brampton (1999-00), Toronto (2000-04), Sudbury (2004-07) and Windsor (2007-10, 2011-15). He served in head coaching capacities in Windsor (2010-11) and Oshawa (2015-18).
Jones was also a defenceman for his hometown Soo Greyhounds from 1985-90, recording 30 goals, 68 assists and 98 points over 223 career regular season games. Jones formed a close friendship with Greyhounds teammate Bob Boughner who he’d later coach alongside in Windsor, taking over as Spitfires head coach when Boughner departed for the NHL in 2010-11. Jones and Boughner were both selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1989 NHL Draft, with Jones going in the ninth round (179th overall).
Friends from across the game of hockey took part in a charity fundraiser for ALS research in Windsor last summer, with more than $200,000 being donated to the cause at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. Last summer’s OHL Alumni Golf Classic was also dedicated to Jones’ cause, raising $20,000 in support of the ALS Action Canada Super Fund spearheaded by fellow OHL alumnus Mark Kirton, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2018.
Bob Jones was a friend to many and he made a tremendous impact throughout his lengthy time in the Ontario Hockey League. The OHL extends condolences to Bob’s friends and family, including his wife Paige as well as children Blake and Brianna during this difficult time.
We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Assistant Coach Bob Jones after his battle with ALS.
Our condolences to his wife Paige, children Blake and Brianna as well as all those he influenced across his nearly 30 year coaching career.
Nous sommes tristes d’apprendre le… pic.twitter.com/ZQyDMgSXHD
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) July 26, 2024
