Griffins Player Dies

Bryan Rufenach, a 23 year old defenseman who played 13 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins last season, died this week while traveling in Switzerland.

After 4 years at Clarkson University where he earned a degree, the Detroit Red Wings selected him with the 208th overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft.

Last season, Rufenach split time between the Griffins and the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL.

It's being reported that Rufenach was electrocuted.

As a lifelong hockey player and former PA Announcer for the Atlanta Thrashers of the NHL, I've always felt a kinship with other people involved in the sport. Eventhough I didn't know Bryan Rufenach, I'll be watching Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals tonight with a heavy heart.