Former NCAA star passes away at 33 years old
The hockey world is mourning the tragic passing of former NCAA hockey star Chad Demers who lost his battle with cancer.
Chad Demers was a former college hockey star, a beloved father, and a reputable hockey coach. He was unfortunately diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma in September 2018, but continued to work in hockey full time throughout intensive cancer treatment.
As per inforum, Chad Demers, a hockey star from Grafton, died Thursday after a six-year battle with brain cancer. He was only 33 years of age.
Demers leaves behind an impressive player and coaching resume. He won a state bantam championship. He tallied a hat trick in one of his first varsity games as a sophomore for Grafton-Park River.
After that, he went on to play three seasons for the Force. He served as team captain in his final year. Demers enrolled at Air Force Academy, where he was a standout on and off the ice.
He cracked the top 25 in Falcons history in career points with 126. He served as an alternate captain as a senior. Academically, Demers made the Dean's List four times.
It's pretty safe to say that Demers exemplified what it means to excel as an athlete and as a person. Although he never took his skills to the pro level, Demers served as an assistant coach for the Fargo Force in the United States Hockey League, an operations director for Air Force Academy, and since August 2023, he's been an assistant coach at Division-I Augustana University.
Demers is survived by his wife, Danika, and three children, Beau (6), Thea (4) and Ella (2).
Oilers Insider would like to send their condolences to the Demers family during this difficult period of time.
source: Inforum
