The Ontario Hockey League is mourning the loss of former Guelph and Owen Sound Platers owner and founder Joseph (Joe) Holody, who passed away on Wednesday, December 27th at the age of 96.
Holody, along with the late Ray McKelvie, are responsible for bringing Major Junior hockey to Owen Sound, moving the then Guelph Platers to the Scenic City prior to the 1989-90 season. The Holody family would eventually sell the team following the 1999-2000 season to a group of Owen Sound business owners and supporters that operate the team today.
His name still resonates with current junior hockey fans. The Holody Trophy, named in honour of Joe, is awarded every year to the winner of the OHL’s Midwest Division.
Prior to moving the Platers to Owen Sound “Smoking Joe” as he was known, operated a very successful Tier II team in Guelph, before bringing Major Junior hockey back to Guelph to begin the 1982-83 season when the Platers joined the OHL. He, along with his son Rob who served as general manager, and head coach at the time, Jacques Martin (who now serves as interim coach of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators), captured the Memorial Cup in 1986, the first for the City of Guelph since 1952.
Growing up in Guelph, Holody started Holody Electro-Plating in 1955, an electroplating business that still operates today on Victoria Road South. Holody was Guelph’s “Man of the Year” in 1981, and was inducted into the Guelph Sports Hall of Fame in 1995 as a builder.
The League extends thoughts and condolences to Joe’s family and friends.
For more on the life and career of Joe Holody, visit guelphtoday.com.
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