Eli Palfreyman dies at 20 during a hockey game in Canada | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors
AP Photo/Aaron Doster
Ayr Centennials captain Eli Palfreyman collapsed in the team’s locker room during the first intermission of Tuesday night’s Ayr Mutual Global Invitational game and died, according to Joe Warmington of the Toronto Sun.
He was 20 years old.
NHL @NHL
We are heartbroken by the loss of Eli Palfreyman, captain and member of the hockey community who left us far too soon.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Eli’s family and the entire Ayr Centennials organization during this difficult time. #RIP17 https://t.co/s5dag2yTpY
USPHL @USPHL
All of us at the USPHL are shocked and saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of former Atlanta Madhatters Hockey player Eli Palfreyman. We send our sincere condolences to his family and to the Madhatters organization at this devastating time.
Rest in peace #EP17 pic.twitter.com/zhORFPw99t
“On Tuesday August 30, 2022, Waterloo Regional Police responded to a medical emergency at the North Dumfries Community Center Hockey Arena located in the Township of North Dumfries,” said Cherri Greeno of the Waterloo Regional Police Service. in a press release. “Members of the community assisted the individual until emergency services arrived. The individual was transported to Cambridge Memorial Hospital where he was sadly pronounced deceased.”
Palfreyman had been named his team’s captain before the tournament. A source told Warmington that Palfreyman was not feeling well after the first period and the coaches called for help from paramedics and a doctor who were present.
Centennials Vice President Brian Shantz said in a statement, “Eli received the best care from our medical staff and a quick response from outpatient staff.”
“We ask for your prayers and support for Eli’s family and each of our players,” a team statement read. “Our centenary organization and the community of Ayr are in mourning. We have reached out to mental health and bereavement professionals to support our players and staff.”
Clarington Eagles @EaglesPJHL
Tragedy at AYR yesterday as captain Eli Palfreyman died during a hockey game.
All of the thoughts and prayers of the Clarington Eagles organization go out to the Centennials organization, its fans and the friends and family of this young man. https://t.co/IDkE4VOtjr pic.twitter.com/64myrTrZZA
Peterborough Petes @PetesOHLhockey
The Peterborough Petes are devastated to learn of the passing of 2018 draft pick and Ayr Centennials captain Eli Palfreyman.https://t.co/3yaSf20GBr pic.twitter.com/YKCy5wEURX
Guelph Storm @Storm_City
The Storm are devastated to learn of the passing of Captain Eli Palfreyman of the Ayr Centennials. We send our deepest condolences to Eli’s family, friends, teammates, Centennials and the entire hockey community.
Eli was a leader and a friend to all. He will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/vwNsgVZEXP
The Centennials play in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League of the Ontario Hockey Association.
Palfreyman, who joined the Centennials in 2021, previously played for the Cambridge Hawks, Kitchener Dutchmen and Atlanta Mad Hatters of the United States Premier Hockey League.
