The NHL has been hit by its share of tragic deaths over the past few years. While these players have rightfully been remembered in many media tributes, it is vitally important that we remember two lesser known prospects who recently met their untimely demise.
Young and talented, Scott Winkler and Kristians Pelss were hockey stars in the making.
Winkler was a four year player at Colorado College and a 2008 Dallas Stars draft pick (89th overall). He was found dead by his mother at her Asker, Norway home on June 13. The cause and circumstances of his death are unknown.
He was just 23.
“Everyone loved him and respected him,” 2012-13 captain William Rapuzzi said. “He was a brother to all of us. It just doesn’t make sense.”
The 6-foot-3, 202-pound forward accumulated 63 points (24 goals) in 120 career games in four years with the Tigers, including a career high 28 points (13 goals) as a senior. He was set to join the AHL team in Houston for the 2013-14 season.
"The Dallas Stars are heartbroken to hear about Scott's passing," Stars general manager Jim Nill said. "Scott was a wonderful young man with great character and a bright future; we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends."
“Winks” debuted in the United States in 2007 playing for the Russell Stover midget major AAA team in Kansas. He played his junior hockey with the Cedar Rapids Roughriders of the United States Hockey League in 2008-09 prior to attending Colorado College.
The press release from Colorado College read, “This spring we have seen Scott put in a great deal of work to prepare himself for his professional career and the rest of his life. He had such a bright future ahead of him. I’d like to ask all Colorado College fans and supporters of college hockey everywhere to keep the Winkler family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Just three days later, the Edmonton Oilers stated that they were aware of reports out of Latvia that prospect Kristians Pelss had gone missing. On June 14, the team confirmed that Pelss had drowned in a river close to his home in Riga, Latvia. Local media reported that he jumped off a bridge into the Daugava River.
Pelss was selected in the seventh round (181st overall) of the 2010 draft and played for the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL. He split time last season between the AHL’s Oklahoma City Barons and the ECHL’s Stockton Thunder. In 20 games in the AHL Pelss scored one goal and dished out seven assists.
He was just 20.
Oilers general manager Craig MacTavish stated: "This is the news we feared. Kristians was an outstanding man and we feel terrible he has left us at such a young age. I can't imagine how painful this situation is for the Pelss family."
For most people, death is just a statistic when it comes to the persons we don’t really know, whether it’s a grizzled veteran NHL player or a fresh faced minor league prospect.
But, for some of us who have witnessed the passing of a player in person, these deaths are not just statistics, but are truly tragedies. It is a wake-up call that forces us to be more aware of the sanctity of life. Sorrow turns to inspiration as we remember the discipline, hard work and contributions of two young prospects.
Yes, the importance of sport is overrated, but these two deaths happened within a family; the family of hockey of which we are all members. We are left only with the “what ifs” as these two are forever preserved in innocent youth and unrealized potential.
Set aside a few minutes today and take a look at the hockey lives of a pair of unforgettable, inspiring athletes.
Rest in peace Scott Winkler and Kristians Pelss.
W.B. Philp is the Founder and Chief Editor of LightningShout, a comprehensive Tampa Bay Lightning website. He’s also a serial hockey blogger, including over at HockeyIndependent.com, Melrose hater, instigator, agitator and vindicator ◉
"But, for some of us who have witnessed the passing of a player in person, these deaths are not just statistics, but are truly tragedies. It is a wake-up call that forces us to be more aware of the sanctity of life."