Community Mourns Death Of 14-Year-Old Hockey Player
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Minnesota's hockey community is mourning the loss of a 14-year-old player.
Patrick Schoonover died around 4:30 p.m. Friday during a hockey game at the Brainerd Area Civic Center, where the Blue Ox hockey tournament was being held.
Schoonover was a player for the Eastview Bantam team and an 8th-grader at Black Hawk Middle School in Eagan.
Since news of Patrick's death first came out Friday night, support has been pouring in all over social media with the message to "Play For Patrick."
"My heart totally sinks when I hear that stuff, because I have kids that play and you just never know when something like that can happen," said Mark Carlson, the father of an Eastridge hockey player.
Schoonover's family also released a statement Saturday:
"We lost our son Patrick last night. He passed away unexpectedly playing the game he loved so much. We appreciate the outpouring of support from the Eastview and MN hockey communities to our family. We want to thank his coach, first responders and the staff at St. Joseph's for doing everything they could to help Patrick and for providing comfort to our family. We appreciate all of you. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Patrick's coaches and team mates. He loved all of you. We ask for our privacy from the media at this time."
According to Brainerd police, Schoonover collapsed on the ice during the game.
A paramedic at the rink immediately responded and began to help the Schoonover.
They gave him CPR and he was then flown to St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. His cause of death is under investigation.
Minnesota hockey released a statement saying, "We are deeply saddened by the news and offer our sincere condolences to the player's family, friends and teammates."
Practices were canceled Saturday for all Eastview Teams at the Apple Valley Hayes Park Arena, where Schoonover's team skated.
But just across the street, Rivals Apple Valley and Eastridge showed support with a moment of silence.
"We are here to support them," said Pete Buesguns, the athletic director at Apple Valley High School. "You go to watch a hockey game, you go to enjoy watching your kid, and something like that happens--it's tough."
Social media is full of messages and prayers for No. 96:
All this is so surreal. Patrick, you were a great teammate and brother. We all miss you and will forever be in our hearts❤️
— ChrisFan™ (@chrisfan89) November 15, 2014
Today we #PlayForPatrick96 #EastviewStrong pic.twitter.com/kg5e9vFB9n
— Emily Snodgrass (@Snoodles62) November 15, 2014
The rest of Blue Ox tournament was cancelled.
The East View Hockey Association offered counseling services today for any players or students who might need help. that was held at Eastview High School.
