THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO ⎯ The Superior International Junior Hockey League is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Barban, the Chairman of the Board of Governors for the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL).
Mr. Barban was the proud owner of the Navan Grads Jr. A Hockey Club for 19 seasons and has served as Chairman of the CCHL since 2008. Barban’s Grads captured their first CCHL Bogart Cup Championship last season (2024) and represented the CCHL at the 2024 Centennial Cup Jr. A National Championships.
Commissioner Dean Thibodeau releases the following statement: “On behalf of the SIJHL and the entire Junior A hockey community in Northwest Ontario and the Upper Midwestern United States, I would like to extend my condolences to Steve’s family and friends, the Navan Grads, the CCHL and its members, and the broader hockey family that is effected by Steve’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in this time of mourning.”