Yah, this is a tough one.
Rick's hometown (Coleman, Alberta) used to host a big ball hockey tournament. I was living in Calgary and playing alot of ball hockey at the time(still do), and my team would go to this tournament every year. It only ran for 4 years. Anyways, Rick played on one of the teams. He was only 16, but he was sure a standout. Our teams played in the finals 3 out of the 4 years. I remember real tough battles. Even at 16 he was a tough SOB. One game, i guess he was 17, i would have been 24 or so, he turned to me and challenged me to a fight. I still remember that look in his eyes, i thought maybe i could take him because at that time i had 10 or so pounds on him, but it was that look in his eyes. Kinda scared me a bit, so i didn't scrap, and man, looking back, I'm glad i didn't. He would have sent me to the hospital without a doubt.
Anyways, i got to know him a bit during those 4 years we played in that tournament. Talked in the bar out there and stuff like that. Pretty nice guy. I was surprised to see him surface in the NHL because at the time, i knew he played ice hockey, but i didn't know at what level.
That town is a pretty close nit town. They must all be devastated. I feel really bad for evryone. They were so proud of him. Its a real shame.
RIP Rick.