Hockey community in mourning after Vancouver Island player dies in crash
Posted January 5, 2022 5:58 am.
Last Updated January 5, 2022 6:02 am.
The hockey community is in mourning following the death of a young player on Vancouver Island earlier this week.
Grant Gilbertson, 18, died in a two-vehicle crash Monday night on Sooke Rd. near Humpback Rd. in Langford while driving to his hockey practice.
His team, the Peninsula Panthers Jr. Hockey Club, released a statement saying icy road conditions appeared to play a part in the crash.
“I cannot explain the grief we felt as a group, it was palpable. I am just so saddened by this situation and I know that Grant’s family and friends have had their hearts ripped out. This is really a true tragedy in every sense of the word and our Organization’s every thought, every second of every day is on Grant and his family,” Panthers owner Pete Zubersky said in a statement.
After speaking with Gilbertson’s family and receiving their blessing, the Panthers say they will continue to play their season.
“The Panthers were extremely important to Grant and I know in my heart that he would want his teammates to play,” Zubersky said.
“We strongly believe that the players need to be together, to be able to work through their grief with the support of each other. There has been an incredible amount of love and support from the other Organizations in the League.”
Zubersky added, “The hockey community is a small one and a close one.”
Many, including the the Vancouver Canucks, have expressed their sadness over the loss.
We join the hockey community in mourning the loss of a talented young hockey player, Grant Gilbertson.
Sending our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Grant and the Peninsula Panthers team during this difficult time. https://t.co/Pvl5WZI11U
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) January 4, 2022
“We join the hockey community in mourning the loss of a talented young hockey player, Grant Gilbertson. Sending our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Grant and the Peninsula Panthers team during this difficult time,” the team wrote on Twitter.
The Panthers, which is part of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League, are scheduled to play in Westshore against the Wolves Wednesday night and will be back at home at the Panorama Recreation Centre Friday.
The team says the place is very important, as it was where Gilbertson broke into Junior Hockey. The team is planning a ceremony in celebration of his life before their game against the Victoria Cougars.
