Father and son both played for Peterborough
And the OHL team’s scouts have taken note of the family’s next generation
Few players can say that they were coached by a legend like Roger Neilson. Even less can say that playing for a team is a family tradition. Bob Black is able to say both, all thanks to the Peterborough Petes.
After playing two years for the Oshawa Generals, Black was traded to Peterborough in 1967. Arriving in Peterborough turned out to be one of the greatest things that would happen. Black had the opportunity to play under Roger Neilson.
During his year in Peterborough, Black tallied 20 goals and 28 assists. Despite only playing one season in Peterborough, Black looks back with fond memories.
“Roger Neilson was the coach during my year in Peterborough. I think it was a great experience to be coached by him,” Black said. “I came to Peterborough while they were rebuilding but I still had a good year. I actually tied Rick MacLeish in scoring that year. It was a life experience being able to play with an organization like Peterborough.”
Black was drafted by Boston, but didn’t play any games for the Bruins. He played his pro hockey with the Muskegon Mohawks of the International Hockey League. Once retiring from his playing career, Black coached the Whitby Steelers and managed the Elmira Sugar Kings junior-B team for a season.
When he retired from hockey, Black attended Sheridan College and the University of Waterloo with a bachelor’s degree in elective studies. Following his graduation, he became a municipal planner for the Kitchener area. This work inspired Black to open his own business in 1990, which is still open today, RBA Planning Consultants.
Currently living on a farm in Hillsburgh, Ont., with wife Jennifer, the Black family raises and shows Percheron horses. Together, they raised two children, Dana and Ryan, who shared the same passions as Black.
During the 1990 OHL draft, Ryan Black was selected 12th overall by the Peterborough Petes. Black and his family were thrilled as he enjoyed his time so much while in maroon and white.
“I think we only missed one or two games in the three years he was in Peterborough,” Black said. “Every Thursday we would go to the Memorial Centre to watch him play.”
As a proud father, Black was able to watch his son do something he never had the option to — play for a Memorial Cup. Ryan Black had the opportunity to play in the 1993 Memorial Cup alongside Petes legend Chris Pronger, and linemates, Dale McTavish and Cory Stillman.
Although falling 4-1 to the Sault St. Marie Greyhounds in the game, Ryan Black made the family proud. “It was quite an accomplishment that not a lot of athletes get to say they did. We were proud no matter what the outcome was,” Black noted.
Hockey seems to run in the Black family as all three of Black’s grandsons, Jacob, Samuel and Zachary, play hockey. Jacob plays for the Morrisville Mustangs at Morrisville College in New York, Samuel plays for the Waterloo Wolves U15 AAA team, currently eligible for the upcoming OHL draft and has already caught the eye of Petes scouts, while Zachary plays for the Waterloo Wolves U10 AAA team.
From doing what he loved to passing down his passion to generations of the Black family, Bob Black has never been too far away from the ice. From playing himself to finding a new passion for consulting.
Black’s Petes legacy has carried on through his son and it has the potential to carry on to his grandson.
‘‘ It was quite an accomplishment that not a lot of athletes get to say they did. We were proud no matter what the outcome was.
RYAN BLACK FORMER PETES PLAYER TALKING ABOUT HIS MEMORIAL CUP APPEARANCE