A former North Bay player who played 150 professional hockey games in the NHL and the WHA has passed away.
Gord Kannegiesser Jr, whose brother Sheldon also played pro hockey, passed away on March 1, 2022 his obituary says "after a valiant battle with ALS."
Kannegiesser Jr. played 23 NHL games with the St. Louis Blues and then continued his career with another 127 in the World Hockey Association with the Houston Aeros and Indianapolis Racers.
The big defenceman's best season was back in 1973-74 where he netted 20 assists in 78 games with the Aeros in the WHA.
Kannegiesser, who was an inductee into the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame, also captured three championships in three professional leagues including the WHA, Central Professional Hockey League, and the Western Hockey League.
According to his family, Kannegiesser was part of a concussion research program at Toronto Western Hospital for professional athletes for the past several years.
First discovered at Boston University Medical Center, statistics indicate that professional football and hockey players receiving multiple concussions are eight times more likely to develop ALS than the general public.
"Gord's passion was preaching and sharing his faith in Jesus Christ with others. He was very active in ministries at Bethel Gospel Chapel and the North Bay City jail. If one word could describe Gordon, it would be "faithfulness," in every action, word, deed and relationship," his obituary stated.
A celebration of Gord's life will be held on Saturday March 26, between the hours of 2pm and 4pm at Bethel Gospel Chapel, located at 781 Tackaberry Dr. North Bay.
