Cal U hockey player dies unexpectedly – WPXI

CALIFORNIA, Pa .– A hockey player from the University of California at Pennsylvania died suddenly over the weekend. According to university officials, Branson King was 23 and had just completed the fall semester of his junior year.

It is not known what led to his death.

Here’s what the university posted about King:

“Branson was the heart and soul of the team; he approached hockey as everything in his life with passion and 100% commitment, ”said Vulcans head coach Jason Greenway. “He was a true leader who was selfless and would sacrifice anything he had to do for the success of our team. He embodied our team culture with passion, hard work and a big heart; it was a trainer’s dream.

“Branson was the kindest, most genuine man I know. He was so selfless he would drop anything he did to get you through your current situation,” said Vulcans President Jared Taylor. “He was the most energetic person in the locker room during games and even practice, making jokes or telling the boys the best pre-game speeches; the locker room will never be the same without him. Everyone there.” loved him so much, and he touched so many hearts in his life.

King, had just completed the fall semester of his junior year for the Vulcans, where he was an assistant captain. As a member of the organization since the 2017-18 season, King has played in three CHE Championship teams. Academically, King was majoring in education with a concentration in social studies. A native of Hamburg, PA, King previously performed for the Philadelphia Revolution

“Branson embodied what it meant to be a teammate on and off the ice, a real leader and someone who would do anything to help someone in need. He will be truly missed, ”said Vulcans general manager Jamison Roth.

Details of the visitation and funeral have yet to be determined. A scholarship in King’s name will be established in the future, and the team will honor him with a memorial at a home game when they return this spring. The family wants any financial donation to go to the scholarship that will be created in Branson’s memory. Please continue to check the Vulcans website and social media accounts for ongoing updates, as more details will be provided as they become available.

The Vulcans are all inviting to leave comments below, sharing their thoughts and memories of Branson for his family and friends during this difficult time. we want to honor him by playing the way he expected us to play every time we play on the ice, ”said Greenway. “Branson and I were close on and off the ice; I love him as a player but more importantly as a person. “We send our thoughts and condolences to all the family, friends and students who knew Branson.

Catherine J. Martinez