Guido Tenesi, a former hockey player best known for his role in the 1977 film “Slapshot,” has died at the age of 71.
“It’s heartbreaking to hear of Guido’s passing,” said the Hershey Bears organization. He was part of the team during their 1974 Calder Cup Championship and became well-known for portraying Billy Charle Boyce in “Slapshot.” “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates.” The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Tenesi, a defenseman, was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fifth round of the 1973 NHL Draft and played for their minor league affiliate, the Hershey Bears, for two years.
Over the next seven years, he participated in various professional hockey leagues.
During his time with the Johnstown Jets, he contributed to the team’s North American Hockey League Championship in 1974-75, which was featured in the Newman comedy.
In a past interview, Tenesi reminisced, “I played with Ned Dowd, Dave Hanson, and the Carlson brothers. Ned was always recording our road trips, capturing everything from player slips on the ice to broken sticks.”
Dowd’s sister Nancy is working on a hockey film, where Ned plays Ogilthorpe, an opponent of the Chiefs.
“It was interesting being part of the film,” Tenesi said, reflecting on the unique behind-the-scenes experience.
The film tells the story of the Charlestown Chiefs and their player-coach, Reggie Dunlop, portrayed by Paul Newman. Tenesi fondly recalled that filming as reminiscent of “the good old days” and shared memories of Newman, who passed away in 2008.
Steve Carlson, who starred as Steve Hanson, expressed his condolences, stating, “RIP GUIDO TENESI: A good guy gone too soon.” He added a personal note about Tenesi’s character and his impact on those around him.
Tenesi celebrated a championship win with the Jets during the 1975 Lockhart Cup and received the IHL Governor’s Trophy for the league’s top defensive player in 1979.
The classic hockey film marked a notable point in Tenesi’s life, but after hanging up his skates in 1987, he transitioned to work as a swimming pool technician in Toronto.
As someone who never sought fame, Carlson remarked, “Guido Tenesi was the real deal—an unforgettable part of hockey’s history.” He played the game for the love of it, not for the spotlight.
Jeff Carlson, who portrayed Jeff Hanson, also shared a tribute on Facebook, noting the loss of a brother, teammate, and dedicated family man. “Guido was a phenomenal hockey player,” he wrote, sending condolences to Tenesi’s wife, Leslie, and his family.
