A young British Columbia hockey player died after slamming into the boards during a game in Metro Vancouver. His teammates remember him as a “gentle giant” and one of the best players out there.
Unexpected disaster
According to a team member, Gerry Leiper, his friend, Noah Trulsen, 22-years old might have snatched the edge while hurrying to the bench for a line change. He saw Trulsen’s forehead strike the top side of the boards and his face shield moved down on his nose bridge, throwing him off to the ice.
The referee and the team’s goalie dashed to assist, performing several turns of CPR after Trulsen lost consciousness. The hockey players silently cried as paramedics transferred Trulsen off the ice.
Rick, Trulsen’s father returned to the site to thank the players, coaches, and referees for being present in the final minutes of his son’s life.
Saying goodbye
Leiper manages 2 Adult Safe Hockey League teams that included Trulsen on their rosters. According to Leiper, he met the six-foot-four, 240-pound defenseman from Maple Ridge, B.C.when he was searching for an ideal recreational team after aging out of minor hockey.
The second time he saw Trulsen play, he was going to be part of the team. He is the kind of guy who does not look like he could play hockey. He doesn’t look graceful but when it comes to the game, he is one of the best players out there.
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