Guido Tenesi, a former professional hockey player and actor known for his role as Billy Charlebois in the 1977 film “Slap Shot,” has passed away at the age of 71. His former team announced his death.
The Hershey Bears, an American Hockey League team, confirmed Tenesi’s death on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The team expressed their condolences, remembering him as a valued defenseman during their 1974 Calder Cup victory. No cause of death was provided.
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fifth round of the 1973 NHL Draft, Tenesi played for the Bears, Pittsburgh’s minor league affiliate, over two seasons. He continued his professional hockey journey across various leagues for seven more seasons before retiring in 1987.
Tenesi’s involvement with the Paul Newman comedy occurred after his time with the Johnstown Jets. He played a key role in the team’s 1974-75 North American Hockey League championship triumph. His teammates, including Ned Dowd, Dave Hanson, and the Carlson brothers, would later join him in the film.
In a 2016 interview with the Utica Observer-Dispatch, Tenesi recounted the film’s creation, highlighting Ned Dowd’s efforts in documenting their experiences with a tape recorder. Dowd captured various events from road trips, such as players tripping on the ice or breaking sticks.
Ned Dowd’s sister, Nancy, was writing a hockey movie, and Ned secured the part of Chiefs opponent Ogie Ogilthorpe. Tenesi described the filming process as intriguing, particularly the behind-the-scenes dynamics of movie production.
“Slap Shot” tells the story of the struggling minor league hockey team, the Charlestown Chiefs, led by player-coach Reggie Dunlop, played by Paul Newman. The movie remains a favorite among hockey enthusiasts, often quoted and referenced within the community.
Steve Carlson, who played Steve Hanson in the film as part of the Hanson Brothers, expressed his sorrow over Tenesi’s death. Carlson praised Tenesi for his integrity and class.
Carlson noted that Tenesi did not seek fame and embodied authenticity in the sport. He remarked that Tenesi’s legacy, whether for his on-ice toughness, international representation, or his film role, was in bringing authenticity to hockey. “Rest easy, #5 — you’re forever a Chief,” Carlson stated.
Jeff Carlson, who played Jeff Hanson, also paid homage on social media, expressing his grief over losing a close friend and castmate. He extended prayers to Tenesi’s wife, Leslie, and their family, appreciating Tenesi not only as a player but as an exceptional person.
Tenesi’s hockey achievements include winning the 1975 Lockhart Cup with the Jets and receiving the 1979 IHL Governor Trophy as the league’s top defenseman.
After retiring from professional hockey in 1987, Tenesi worked as a swimming pool technician in Toronto. His role in the cult classic hockey film was his sole acting credit.
Reflecting on his film experience in 2020, Tenesi described it as memorable, sharing a photo with Newman, who died in 2008, highlighting their work on the movie.
Tenesi participated in events related to “Slap Shot,” such as the Sports Card Expo in Toronto in November 2022, alongside cast member Jean Tetreault.
The Hershey Bears concluded their announcement by extending condolences to Tenesi’s family, friends, and teammates, recognizing his dual legacy as both a championship hockey player and a memorable film character.
