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Eli Palfreyman: Junior hockey captain, 20, dies during game after SUDDEN COLLAPSE in locker room

Medics with the team tried to revive the rising star but failed to save him

ONTARIO, CANADA: A rising star and captain of the Canadian junior ice-hockey team, Eli Palfreyman, died after collapsing in the locker room during a pre-season game in Ontario on Tuesday night, August 30, according to reports.

The 20-year-old player from Ontario unexpectedly collapsed during the first intermission of the Ayr Centennials’ pre-season tournament game against Boston Jr Bruins at the North Dumfries Community Complex, according to the Toronto Sun.

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Medics with the team tried to revive the rising star but tragically failed to save him. The cause of death is yet to be revealed by officials. The Centennial said the organization is not going to speculate the reason “out of respect for the family’s right to privacy.”

“We are asking for your prayers and support for Eli’s family and each of our players,” Centennials’ vice president Brian Shantz said in a statement. “Our Centennials organization and the community of Ayr are in mourning. Eli had the best care from our medical staff and quick response from the ambulatory staff.”

Paying a tribute to the late star, the team tweeted, “RIP17” as they shared a picture of Palfreyman’s hockey jersey. Palfreyman was named as the captain of the Ayr Centennials just five days before his death. It was going to be the second of the late player with the organization. He was a 12th-round draft pick of the Peterborough Petes in the Ontario Hockey League Draft in 2018. Before joining Centennials, Eli had played for Atlanta Mad Hatters in the United States Premier Hockey League. Apart from Ice-hockey, Eli was also a magnificent soccer player and baseball enthusiast

“Our deepest sympathies go out to Eli’s family and all of his teammates and staff with Ayr,” Peterborough Petes general manager Michael Oke said in a statement while mourning the death of Eli. Following the death of the team captain, GOJHL has decided to postpone the game originally scheduled to be played on Wednesday and Thursday.

Tributes have been pouring for the player ever since the news of his death. “Gone from our sight but never our hearts,” said the Atlanta Madhatters, Palfreyman’s former team. “With tears and profound sadness, we offer our deepest condolences to his family and those that were blessed to be his teammates.”

Another hockey team named Guelph Storm tweeted, "The Storm are devastated to hear about the passing of Ayr Centennials captain Eli Palfreyman. We send our deepest condolences to Eli’s family, friends, teammates, the Centennials, and the entire hockey community. Eli was a leader and a friend to all. He will be deeply missed."