Calgary\u2019s hockey community is mourning the loss of a pillar in the city\u2019s sports scene.<\/p>\n
Perry Cavanagh passed away on Feb. 22nd at the age of 66 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer\u2019s, according to his family.<\/p>\n
He spent over three decades serving minor hockey as a coach, administrator and tireless volunteer.<\/p>\n
\u201cPerry\u2019s leadership, passion, and selfless dedication to Calgary\u2019s hockey community have left a lasting legacy. He will be remembered not only for his countless contributions to the game but for the positive impact he had on everyone he worked with,\u201d said Hockey Calgary in an online statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cPerry\u2019s involvement in minor hockey began over\u00a030\u00a0years ago as a coach for his oldest son\u2019s team. From there, his commitment to the game grew, moving into administrative roles where he served as President of the Southern Alberta Tyke Hockey Association, the Properties Sports Hockey Association, and the Minor Hockey Association of Calgary.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cavanagh joined the Hockey Calgary Board of Directors in 1998 and served two terms as president of the organization, while remaining on the board until 2014.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring this time,\u00a0Perry was instrumental in pioneering the Respect in Sport\u00a0program. He worked alongside Sheldon Kennedy and Wayne McNeil on this cornerstone initiative designed to reinforce positive behaviours and support the role of parents and guardians in youth sport. Over the years, he also supported the Calgary Police Service\u2019s Power Play\u00a0youth drop-in initiative, and collaborated with Dr. Carolyn Emery, PhD, on research into sport-related concussions,\u201d stated Hockey Calgary.<\/p>\n
\u201cPerhaps his greatest accomplishment during his time with Hockey Calgary was chairing the committee that eventually saw the expansion of Max Bell Centre to two arenas, ensuring improved access to hockey facilities for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cavanagh was the lead volunteer coordinator for the 2012 World Junior Championship in Calgary and he was named an Honoured Athletic Leader by the Calgary Booster Club in 2018. He served as the chairman of Sport Calgary from 2015 to 2019.<\/p>\n
Max Bell 2 was renamed \u201cPerry Cavanagh Arena\u201d in 2022 and Cavanagh was recently announced as the Robert Clark Legacy Award winner from Hockey Alberta and the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Committee.<\/p>\n
Cavanagh, who grew up in Quebec, is lovingly remembered by his wife, Cathy, as well as his sons Stephen, Shawn and Mathew.<\/p>\n
A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 15 Templebow Road N.E., Calgary, Alberta.<\/p>\n
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Cremation will take place at the Foothills Crematorium following the Mass. Due to the Lenten season, flowers are gratefully declined.<\/p>\n
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to\u00a0KidSport Alberta<\/a> in Perry\u2019s name.<\/p>\n