The Ontario Hockey League's Windsor Spitfires held an emotional press conference late Tuesday afternoon to discuss the death of their team captain and the devastating effect it has had on his teammates.
Mickey Renaud, a promising young player who battled his way to becoming the fourth-round draft pick of the Calgary Flames last year, collapsed at his home on Monday afternoon and later died.
"He meant everything to our organization and the guys in that (locker) room," said Spitfires President Bob Boughner, his eyes filling with tears.
"Words can't describe what he meant to us, as a coaching staff, as an ownership group, as a player amongst the rest of our players. Mickey was the face of our organization and somebody that can never be replaced."
The young players on the team are supporting each other through a very difficult time and have been together constantly since they heard about Renaud's death, according to team officials. Counsellors will now work with the players to help them deal with the tragedy.
The team has given them time off to be with their families and the Spitfires have also cancelled their Thursday game. They will decide later when the team will resume play.
Holding a handkerchief and with his voice also trembling, Spitfires Vice-President Warren Rychel told reporters, "Playing hockey is the furthest thing from our minds."
An autopsy has now been conducted on the 19-year-old, but reports indicate that it may be months before a cause of death is determined and more tests are performed. The family has been notified of the autopsy results.
The team says the family is obviously going through a very difficult time and has asked for privacy. Renaud's teammates were at a Family Day skate when they heard the news of his death on Monday.
They were called off the ice and into the dressing room when they were told their captain had died. The players say they are still in shock.
Those who knew Renaud remember him as a player who was always willing to help his young fans. They remembered him as someone who would drop by when younger players were on the ice to give them a souvenir to "make things memorable." Fans say Renaud was a role model in the community.
"He was an individual who chose to get involved. He saw his role as being more than just a player on ice but that he had an equally important role of being out in the community, active in the community," said Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis.
"He's the heart of the team. He's the heart and the face of the Windsor Spitfires so whenever the team had an opportunity to be out there in the community, Mickey was always there to lead the charge."
The OHL has announced that Renaud's number '18' will be displayed on the helmet of every OHL player for the rest of the league's season. Renaud's funeral will be held on Friday morning.
With files from The Canadian Press
