OHL coaching legend Bert Templeton passed away early this morning at age 63. Templeton coached 26 seasons in the Ontario Hockey League. His 907 career wins are the second highest for any coach in the history of the Canadian Hockey League.

He was diagnosed with cancer this past summer.

"The Ontario Hockey League lost a great friend today in Bert Templeton," OHL Commissioner David Branch said. "His passion for the game of hockey and dedication to excellence was an inspiration to us all. Bert’s legacy as a teacher of the game is unparalleled in the OHL and throughout the hockey world with the hundreds of players that he guided during his career. Our deepest sympathies are shared with Sandy and his entire family."

Templeton began his OHL career with the Hamilton Fincups in 1974. Two years later, he guided the Fincups to the Memorial Cup championship. He spent 12 seasons behind the bench of the North Bay Centennials, winning the OHL Championship in 1994.

Templeton was the OHL Coach of the Year in 1975 and 1994 and won the OHL Executive of the Year Award in 1992 and again in 1996 when he guided the expansion Barrie Colts to a CHL record 28 wins in their inaugural season.

Templeton led his teams to eight division championships, including 2001 with the Sudbury Wolves, who he coached in his final four OHL seasons.