Condolences pouring in for Luke Zupan

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There’s been an outpouring of condolences from across the province after Ancaster’s Junior B team announced its captain, Luke Zupan, died suddenly in his sleep.

Luke Zupan, 20, was entering his fourth year with the Ancaster junior avalanche as captain of the team, when he died suddenly Wednesday night in his sleep.

The team’s head coach released a statement to CHCH News saying Zupan would light up the room with his presence, and was always the first player willing to help out with any volunteer or community commitment.

The team posted word of his death on its website. “‘Zup’ demonstrated all the skills on and off the ice to proudly represent the av’s organization. He was our team leader encouraging all the 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. Our #11 will be deeply missed.”

Word of Zupan’s death quickly spread through social media. Condolences poured in.

From the Fort Erie Meteors: “we send our deepest condolences to the Zupan family.”

The London Nationals tweeted: “our thoughts and prayers are with you.”

And from the Hamilton Bulldogs: “deepest condolences to the Zupan family and Ancaster Avalanche Junior B’s.”

The Junior B team was scheduled to play Friday night in Pelham and Saturday in Ancaster, but those games have been postponed. Grief counselors are expected to be on hand when the team meets tonight at Morgan Firestone Arena.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been confirmed, but the team is planning a tribute for Zupan at the next home game September 24th.