Hockey world heartbroken after loss of beloved forward

Paul Rushforth, who played under head coach Larry Mavety in Belleville, has died at 52, leaving the OHL community in mourning.

The former North Bay Centennials and Belleville Bulls forward died Friday, according to an announcement released by the Ontario Hockey League on Monday.

Rushforth spent three seasons in the OHL from 1991 to 1994, beginning his major junior career in North Bay before moving to Belleville.

He produced 61 goals and 136 points across 185 regular-season games, carving out a productive role during an important stretch of his hockey journey.

His strongest OHL campaign came in 1993-94 with the Bulls. Rushforth recorded 28 goals, 35 assists and 63 points in his final junior season.

That production showed the offensive growth he had made since arriving in North Bay as a young forward two seasons earlier.

Paul Rushforth built a life beyond the rink

Rushforth continued playing after leaving the OHL, putting together a nine-year professional career across several North American leagues and markets.

But his connection to hockey represented only one part of a life that became widely recognized throughout Ottawa after his playing days ended.

Rushforth established himself as a successful real estate broker and became one of the most familiar figures in the region's housing industry.

His personality also carried into broadcasting. He served as a co-host of Open House on Newstalk 580 CFRA, giving Ottawa listeners another place to hear his voice.

The news has touched several communities at once. Former teammates and hockey supporters are mourning him alongside colleagues, clients, listeners, friends and family members.

For OHL fans, Rushforth will be remembered as a forward who developed steadily before delivering his best junior numbers during his final season in Belleville.

For people in Ottawa, his impact stretched far beyond a scoresheet. He built a second career based on communication, trust and a strong public presence.

The OHL extended its condolences to the Rushforth family and everyone who knew him, closing a tribute to a former player whose reach continued long after his final shift.

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