Toledo Mobsters Ice Hockey Star Johnny Bonta Dies Aged 29
Toledo Mobsters Ice Hockey Star Johnny Bonta Dies Aged 29. Johnny Bonta, a skilled hockey player for the Toledo Mobsters in the American Premier Hockey League (APHL), sadly died at 29, as revealed by the team on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Bonta’s sudden death has shocked the hockey community, leading many teams and groups in the APHL and elsewhere to share their condolences and tributes. The reason for his death is unknown, but those who knew and respected him greatly feel his absence.
The Toledo Mobsters Hockey Club said, “We are sad to share that Johnny Bonta #13, #8 has passed away.” “Johnny was not just a skilled player on our team; he was also a friend and part of our family.” Bonta brought a lot to the team, not just because of how well he played, but also because his friendly personality and strong commitment to the game made him well-liked by his teammates and admired on the ice.
Bonta, who grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, showed determination, love, and dedication in his hockey path. During his long career, he played for several well-known hockey teams, showing his skill and hard work at each level.
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At the beginning of his career, he played for the Helena Bighorns in the America West Hockey League (AWHL) and the Bozeman Stingers in the Big Sky Developmental Hockey League (BDHL). He later played in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) and impacted teams like the Blue Ridge Bobcats, the Danbury Hat Tricks, and the Watertown Wolves.
His time with the Watertown Wolves was especially memorable because he helped the team win the Commissioner’s Cup in the 2021-22 season.
The Covington Street Hockey League (CSHL) respected Bonta and remembers him for his hard work, skill, and sense of humour.
He played with great energy on the ice and was also able to spread happiness and friendship to everyone around him, including his teammates and opponents. The CSHL is holding a memorial to honour Bonta’s life and impact on Saturday, January 25, at 11 a.m. at the Kyle Wheeler Memorial Rink.
Jacob Bonta shared a heartfelt farewell to his brother, Johnny, on social media. It showed how close they were and how much Johnny loved hockey. Saying my brother loved hockey is an understatement. He ate, slept, and breathed the game. It was a part of him.
I’ll be honest, he was better than me. “That’s much better,” Jacob wrote. He shared that Johnny had plans to start a semi-professional team in Lexington, showing his strong dedication to developing the sport and helping new players.
“The last thing we discussed was his plan to start a semi-pro team in Lexington.” He dedicated his life to the sport, and I’m proud that he kept playing professionally right up to the end,” Jacob said. The heartfelt message highlights the strong impact Johnny had, not just as a player, but also as a brother, guide, and supporter of the sport he loved.
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The funeral and memorial plans are not finished yet, but the family will share more information soon. The hockey community is still sad about losing an incredible person who loved the game and was very kind and generous.
As messages come in from teammates, friends, and fans, it’s clear that Johnny Bonta’s impact will live on through all the people he influenced during his time. From his early days skating to his time with the Toledo Mobsters and beyond, it was clear to everyone that Johnny loved hockey and was committed to it. His memory will surely motivate future players to play the game with the same passion and drive that marked his career.
Johnny Bonta’s death is a sad reminder of how fragile life is, but his strong spirit and impact on the sport will be remembered for many years. The hockey community comes together to remember a player, partner, and friend who made a lasting impact on the sport he cherished.