Corvairs honour fallen teammate Tyler Norrie

CALEDONIA – Former Golden Eagle and Caledonia Corvair, Tyler Norrie, who died suddenly on June 3rd, 2014, was honoured at Saturday’s Caledonia Corvairs game by his former teammates and staff.

For three seasons, Norrie was a big part of the former Golden Eagles and the Corvairs after they moved to Caledonia. After graduating from the Jr. ranks, Norrie went to the University of Waterloo and played with the Warriors hockey team.

He died unexpectedly at a Simcoe gym while getting ready for his second season with the Warriors. It was later determined that he had an undiagnosed heart condition neither he nor his family were aware off. He was 22-years-old.

“Tyler was exactly the type of person that coaches look for,” said Warriors coach Brian Bourque, at the time of his death. “He was loved by his teammates. He showed up every day with a hard-working positive attitude. His hockey sense was great and he was determined to have a positive impact on the team.”

Corvairs general manager, Brian Rizzetto, is still reeling at the loss of the young man he scouted and guided through his junior hockey career.

“We were lucky enough to have him for three years and those kinds of things leave you wondering why, but he will be one of the all-time great kids to ever play for our organization,” he said.

Before the game, the Corvairs organization raised a banner in the arena honouring Norrie and retired his #22 Corvairs jersey number, meaning that no one else in their organization will ever again wear that uniform number.

The team also had a special Sutherland Cup Championship Ring made for Tyler, which was presented to his sister, Lynsey, along with a framed Tyler Norrie game jersey, which was presented to Norrie’s parents, Duncan and Karen.

In Tyler’s honour, assistant coach Mark Johnson wore #22 when he played this past summer on the Canadian National Fastball Team. He presented that sweater to the family as well.

A $10,000 Foundation was established in Norrie’s name by team ownership and will be awarded annually to a member of the Corvairs for their education, as selected by the Norrie family. Blue Corvairs T-shirts were printed up with the now retired #22 on the back along with the name, Norrie.

A number of ex-Eagles and Corvairs alumni players were on hand for the game, many of whom had the pleasure of playing with him.

Fans and former teammates were given a chance to video tape a personal message to Tyler which will be edited into a YouTube video.

“It was still not enough,” said Rizzetto. “Tyler was such a wonderful young man, a great leader and a fine player.”

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