McBeath killed in collision
Ryan McBeath, an assistant captain on the Red Deer Optimist Chiefs hockey team, died in a car accident Tuesday.
The Chiefs’ said via Twitter the 17-year-old McBeath from Olds passed away.
Optimist Chiefs are heartbroken by the passing of our teammate, one of our captains, but more importantly of our friend @rmcbeath3. He was a one of a kind player but an even better person. He gave everything had for his brothers on the team! Thoughts are with his family! #Rm
— RD Optimist Chiefs (@RDOptimstChiefs) March 13, 2018
“He was a one-of-a-kind player, but an even better person. He gave everything (he) had for his brothers on the team,” the tweet from the Chiefs said.
Ken Frame, Chiefs team manager, said he and the team are in shock.
“It’s one of those things you can’t believe has happened,” Frame said. “I don’t cry very often, but I’ve shed a couple tears today.”
Still can’t believe it, it was an absolute honor to call you my teammate as well as my friend, thoughts and prays go out to every that knew the name @rmcbeath3 rest easy brother, love you
— Levi Glasman (@LeviGlasman14) March 14, 2018
The team’s year-end party was scheduled for Thursday; team management and players are trying to figure out what the next step will be.
“All of the boys are together and are bonding as a team,” said Frame. “There’s nothing you can do other than be together and get some strength from your teammates.”
McBeath was universally loved on the team, Frame said.
“He was such a good kid. We had a good bond together and a good relationship. He was one of my go-to guys on the team.
“He was always having fun … and was one of the jokesters in the room. He will be sorely missed,” he said.
The billet brother that made my transition of moving away from home for junior hockey extremely easy by being a true friend, huge support, and second family. A great hockey player and person that’s been taken too soon. Rest in peace @rmcbeath3 . You will be missed. #beef
— James Orban (@Jamesorban_) March 13, 2018
