Toledo Walleye defenseman Bryan Rufenach died this week after being electrocuted while traveling in Switzerland. He was 23 years old.
Walleye head coach Nick Vitucci said, "The entire team's thoughts and prayers are with Bryan's family as they get through this difficult time. Bryan was a great teammate and would play any role asked of him."
Rufenach was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the seventh round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He was signed to his first professional contract by the Walleye on March 25, 2011, after four years at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York. He played in the final six games of Toledo's 2011-12 season, scoring one goal with one assist and eight penalty minutes.
The Barrie, Canada native started the 2011-12 campaign with the Walleye and excelled in his 54 games with the team. He displayed tremendous offensive skill, punctuated by a career-high four goals scored in a 7-4 loss vs. Chicago on November 9. Rufenach finished the season with 13 goals for Toledo – ranking him third in the ECHL for defenseman. He added 20 assists and logged 34 penalty minutes for the Walleye. Rufenach was promoted to Grand Rapids (AHL) on three different occasions, picking up two assists in a total of 13 games with the Griffins.
The parents of Toledo Walleye player Bryan
Rufenach who died last week, are reaching out to fans. The family posted a
message on Facebook thanking everyone for their support.
Rufenach was electrocuted during a trip
in Switzerland.
Now his parents are asking fans and friends to email photos or stories about
the hockey player. You can also donate to a fund that will benefit Rugfenachs' Hockey
Camp for Kids.
If you have any favorite photos or
stories of Bryan
that you would like to share, please send them to forbryanrufenach@gmail.com. Additionally, friends have
created a memorial fund on his behalf to help the family offset the cost of
bringing him home and of honoring his memory. Any excess funds will be put
toward the Bryan Rufenach Memorial Skills Camp. Anyone wishing to make a contribution can
do so in one of the following ways: CIBC bank – Transit #00942 Institution #010
Account #5853613. Email Transfer -
forbryanrufenach@gmail.com or Paypal - forbryanrufenach@gmail.com
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:01 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:01:45 GMT
(Source: Owens Sports Information) Payton Scott, a 1B/OF from Mississinewa High School, has signed a letter of intent to play for the Owens Community College baseball program next year. The 6'0" Gas
Payton Scott of Mississinewa High School signs to play baseball for Owens Express.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:58 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:58:29 GMT
(Owens Sports Information) Ashtin Staler, an OF/IF from Swanton High School, has become the newest member of the 2013-14 Express softball freshmen class after signing her letter of intent. During her
Ashtin Staler, an outfielder for Swanton High School, to join the Owens Express softball program.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:49 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:49:47 GMT
(Source: The Marathon Classic) The Marathon Classic announced today that Lydia Ko, the top ranked woman amateur in the world and Caroline Powers, a 2013 graduate of Michigan State University have been
Golfers in the Marathon Classic, Lydia Ko and Caroline Powers, receive sponsor's exemptions for the 2013 tournament.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:44 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:44:00 GMT
(Source: Toledo Walleye) Mark your calendar! T-Town Hockey and all that goes with it takes over the Huntington Center October 26, 2013. The Walleye open its 72-game regular season schedule on the road
Toledo Walleye home opener set for October 26 against Wheeling Nailers.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:10 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:10:14 GMT
(Source: Owens Sports Information) The Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) has announced their All-Academic team and 31 Owens Community College student-athletes were featured on the list.
31 Owens student-athletes named to the All-Academic team.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:49 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:49:21 GMT
Aug. 29 – Thursday Liberty at Kent State, 6:00 pm ET (ESPN3) Illinois State at Ball State, 7:00 pm ET (ESPN3) Tulsa at Bowling Green, 7:00 pm ET (ESPNU) Akron at Central Florida, TBA Aug. 30 –
MAC football kicks off Thursday August 29th, Bowling Green hosts Tulsa.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:38 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:38:48 GMT
(Source: Michigan International Speedway) For the second year in a row, the NASCAR Foundation has recognized Michigan International Speedway's charitable and community efforts, naming the racetrack its
The NASCAR Foundation names MIS the "Track of the Year" for the second year in a row.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:35 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:35:14 GMT
(Source: Owens Sports Information) Haley Hudgin, an outfielder from Ida High School, has signed with the Express softball program. The 5'7" Ida, MI native was named First Team All-Lenawee County Activities
Haley Hudgin, an outfielder at Ida, signs with the Express softball program
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:32 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:32:12 GMT
(Source: Owens Sports Information) Sophomore outfielders Ryan Horvath and Justin Elder will continue their college careers together as the two will play at Union College next season. Horvath hit .274
Sophomore outfielders Ryan Horvath and Justin Elder sign to play for Union College next season.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:50 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:50:28 GMT
Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Ken Holland today announced that the club has agreed to terms with center Pavel Datsyuk on a three-year contract extension. In accordance
Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Ken Holland announced that the club has agreed to terms with center Pavel Datsyuk on a three-year contract extension.
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