OHL player dies tragically at just 23 years of age.

My heart breaks for the family of young Kurtis Evans.

On Monday morning, the Ontario Hockey League announced the passing of 23 year old hockey player Kurtis Evans, revealing that Evans had lost his battle with cancer and passed away last Thursday on October 3rd.

Evans had previously spent two seasons of his hockey career as a member of the North Bay Battalion, playing 54 games with that organization and picking up 2 goals and 2 assists over that stretch. He had also spent time in the Ontario Junior Hockey League as a member of the Stouffville Spirit, playing 3 games there and picking up a goal and an assist over that stretch.

Any time a young person is taken far too soon it is always a tragedy, and making this tragedy even more heartbreaking are all the loved ones that Evans leaves behind. From his obituary:

He is lovingly remembered by his parents, Brad and Holly Evans (Malloy), and his brother, Jackson (Hailey Parsons). He was a treasured grandson to Dean and Carolyn Evans, and Donald (deceased) and Carol Malloy. He is also mourned by his uncles and aunts, Tim and Tracy Evans, Deanna Evans and Paul Wilms, Poppi Malloy and Roger Vousden, and Sean Malloy, as well as his cousins, Connor (Katie), Avery, Marigold, Sam, Martina, and Wendel.

Evans also leaves behind girlfriend Kenzie Cunningham who the family thanked for her unwavering love and support throughout this ordeal.

The family has asked that anyone wishing to honor Evans' memory do so by donating to the Ewings Cancer Foundation of Canada, linked here.

My most sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to all of Kurtis Evans' family, loved ones, girlfriend Kenzie Cunningham and to all of his former teammates as well.