Bantam hockey player who died on ice is named
Officials in Apple Valley have identified the 14-year-old hockey player who died on the ice at a tournament in Brainerd, Minn., Friday night.
The Eastview Hockey Association says Patrick Schoonover collapsed on the ice shortly after the start of a Bantam hockey tournament game at the Essentia Health Sports Center.
He was rushed to the nearby Essential Health hospital, but couldn't be saved.
Schoonover was playing for an Eastview Hockey Association team.
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The association named Schoonover and released a statement from his family, who thanked the people that tried to save their son, and said he died playing the game he loved.
"The days ahead will be extremely difficult for many in our community. The family and the community are extremely thankful and humbled by the outpouring of support," said Amy Hutsell, administrator of the Eastview Hockey Association.
The hockey association said it is making professional support available Saturday evening at the Eastview High School in Apple Valley for those who need it.
Hutsell added that many people have asked how they can support the family and honor Schoonover, and said EVHA will be releasing information on that in the days to come.
In the meantime, she said the Bantam AA team is making "Play for Patrick" their theme.