ANCASTER – A budding hockey star and respected gentleman off the ice, Luke Zupan died in his sleep late in September. Zupan had a very good chance of making impact at higher levels of the game, but will not have a chance to show just how good he could have been.
“It is with an incredibly heavy heart and with deep sadness that the GOJHL and the Ancaster Jr Avalanche announce the passing last week of their team Captain Luke Zupan,” says a media release from the GOJHL.
“Zup” demonstrated all the skills on and off the ice to proudly represent the Av’s organization. He was their team leader encouraging all players to do their best, work hard and have fun. He participated in every charity event the club participated in and was always willing to help out with anything the club needed.”
News of the loss soon rippled through the GOJHL fraternity with profound sorrow.
“Anytime you lose a young player it is a tragedy,” says Caledonia Pro-Fit Corvair GM Brian Rizzetto. “I don’t know the details but I hope this tragedy will bring the Avalanche team together. When something like this happens, it can either divide a team or bring it together and I know they have a tight organization there to support the family and Luke’s teammates.”
The Corvairs lost a member of their own team staff last season when Noah Thomas died in a car crash.
