Ottawa 67's mourn passing of former player Lance Galbraith
The Ottawa 67’s and Ottawa’s hockey community are mourning the death of a former star player.
Lance Galbraith died in a car crash in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. Friday at the age of 42, according to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Galbraith played five seasons with the 67's in the late 1990s and early 2000s, winning a Memorial Cup in 1999 and an OHL championship in 2001.
“When you think of the guys we have had here, Lance was right up there with the most popular Ottawa 67’s of all-time,” said former Coach and GM Brian Kilrea in a statement from the team. “It’s very sad and all of our thoughts are with his family, friends, and former teammates.”
Galbraith also played for other pro leagues in the U.S., including the ECHL, where he won Kelly Cup championships with the Idaho Steelheads in 2004 and 2007.
“It’s a sad day for sure,” said former teammate Dan Tessier. “He was a big part of our Memorial Cup team. Lance is one of the guys that his heart was always for the players and on the ice.”
Tessier says he spent four years with Galbraith at the Civic Centre with the Ottawa 67’s.
“There’s not one team in the OHL that wouldn’t have loved to have had Lance Galbraith those years,” former Ottawa 67’s owner Jeff Hunt said.
Galbraith’s former billet says news of Lance’s death was “gut-wrenching.”
“Lance is our family, he's part of our family.. He was just the light at the end of every day,” Louise Logue said on Saturday.
Logue says while Galbraith’s play on the ice is what captivated fans, his actions away from the rink are what she’ll remember.
“I remember my nephew being bullied at school and he told Lance about it,” Logue said. “Lance started going and having lunch with him at school and all the kids were like, ‘Wow, Andy has Lance Galbraith here having lunch with him.’ He calmed that whole situation down with just his mere presence.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.