Guido Tenesi, a former professional hockey player known for his role as Billy Charlebois in the 1977 film “Slap Shot,” has passed away at the age of 71, as confirmed by his former team.
The Hershey Bears announced Tenesi’s death on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Tenesi was a defenseman on their 1974 Calder Cup championship team. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fifth round of the 1973 NHL Draft, Tenesi played two seasons with the Bears, the Penguins’ minor league affiliate. His professional hockey career spanned several leagues over the next seven seasons, culminating in his retirement in 1987.
Tenesi’s involvement in the Paul Newman film followed his tenure with the Johnstown Jets. He contributed to the team’s North American Hockey League championship win in the 1974-75 season, playing alongside future film co-stars such as Ned Dowd, Dave Hanson, and the Carlson brothers.
In a 2016 interview with the Utica Observer-Dispatch, Tenesi recounted the film’s development, highlighting his teammate Ned Dowd’s documentation of their experiences. Dowd used a tape recorder to capture events from their trips, including instances like players slipping on ice or breaking sticks.
Ned Dowd’s sister, Nancy, was scripting a hockey movie, and Ned himself played Chiefs opponent Ogie Ogilthorpe. Tenesi found the filmmaking process intriguing, noting his fascination with how the film was produced.
“Slap Shot” focuses on the failing Charlestown Chiefs, led by player-coach Reggie Dunlop, played by Newman. It remains a cult favorite among hockey enthusiasts, known for its memorable quotes and references.
Steve Carlson, who portrayed Steve Hanson in the film, expressed his condolences over Tenesi’s death. Carlson described Tenesi as a person of honor and class, remarking that he was a “good guy gone too soon.”
Carlson noted that Tenesi avoided fame and embodied authenticity in hockey. He emphasized that Tenesi’s legacy was one of truth in both the sport and his film role, stating, “Rest easy, #5 — you’re forever a Chief.”
Jeff Carlson, who played Jeff Hanson, also paid tribute online, mourning the loss of a brother, castmate, friend, and family man. He extended condolences to Tenesi’s wife, Leslie, and their family, acknowledging Tenesi as a great player and person.
In addition to his hockey career, Tenesi was individually recognized, winning the 1975 Lockhart Cup with the Jets and the 1979 IHL Governor Trophy as the league’s top defenseman.
His role in “Slap Shot” was Tenesi’s sole acting credit. After retiring from hockey in 1987, he worked as a swimming pool technician in Toronto, Ontario.
In 2020, Tenesi reflected on the film as a cherished memory and shared a photograph with Newman, who passed away in 2008, commemorating their collaboration.
Tenesi made appearances related to “Slap Shot,” including attending the Sports Card Expo in Toronto in November 2022 with fellow cast member Jean Tetreault.
The Hershey Bears concluded their announcement by expressing condolences to Tenesi’s family, friends, and teammates, honoring his legacy as both a championship player and a notable film character.
