The Nipissing Varsity Men’s Hockey team is mourning the passing of one of its own.
Patrice Wren, a 24-year-old forward who last played on the Lakers in 2016, passed away suddenly last week.
“We are deeply saddened at the sudden death of student, former Men’s Hockey team member, and employee at the Surtees Centre, Patrice Wren,” Nipissing University stated via Twitter on Friday.
“Our deepest condolences and sympathies go to his family and friends.”
Lakers forward Dylan Staples knew Wren as a teammate with the Lakers and also in junior with the Pembroke Lumber Kings.
“A great teammate with both the @PLKingsCCHL and @nulakers but most importantly a better friend. One of the nicest guys someone could ever meet. Gone way too early my friend. Rest easy. #PW,” said Staples on Twitter.
Wren played only five games with the Lakers in 2015-16.
It's the second former Lakers player to pass away in the last year, as former goaltender John Chartrand passed away in a car accident on the 401 in July of 2017.
See related: Former Lakers goalie dies in crash
The university has counseling available for all students as is stated on the Nipissing University website.
