Calgary’s hockey community is mourning the loss of a pillar in the city’s sports scene.
Perry Cavanagh passed away on Feb. 22nd at the age of 66 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s, according to his family.
He spent over three decades serving minor hockey as a coach, administrator and tireless volunteer.
“Perry’s leadership, passion, and selfless dedication to Calgary’s 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,” said Hockey Calgary in an online statement.
“Perry’s involvement in minor hockey began over 30 years ago as a coach for his oldest son’s 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.”
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.
“During this time, Perry was instrumental in pioneering the Respect in Sport program. 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’s Power Play youth drop-in initiative, and collaborated with Dr. Carolyn Emery, PhD, on research into sport-related concussions,” stated Hockey Calgary.
“Perhaps 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.”
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.
Max Bell 2 was renamed “Perry Cavanagh Arena” 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.
Cavanagh, who grew up in Quebec, is lovingly remembered by his wife, Cathy, as well as his sons Stephen, Shawn and Mathew.
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.
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.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to KidSport Alberta in Perry’s name.
Related Link: In Loving Memory of Perry Cavanagh – Hockey Calgary.
