Condolences are pouring in from across the hockey community after the tragic death of a local player.
Dane Nisbet, 20, of Sarnia, was shot and killed outside of the Lambton College campus bar early Friday morning.
Police were called at around 12:50 a.m. and Nisbet was taken to Bluewater Health where he later died of his injuries.
The former college student suited up for the Lambton Jr. Sting U16 and U18 teams, the Mooretown Flags, Sarnia Legionnaires and, most recently, the North Middlesex Stars.
Two others suffered non-life threatening injuries, and the Sarnia Police Service is still looking for multiple suspects.
Lambton College was closed on Friday as members of the forensic investigation branch continued their investigation.
Speaking with Sarnia News Today, Flags General Manager John Baker said it's a terrible tragedy.
"Dane was an extremely nice and likeable young man, really nice young man and teammates loved him," said Baker. "There's a guy that has a plan for his life going forward, he's putting things in motion and this happens. It's kind of hard to wrap your head around it really."
Baker said Nisbet had future aspirations outside of the rink.
"He was looking to move into the armed forces and join the Navy," he said. "A whole lot of people will be sitting around trying to make some sense of a really tragic situation. You wonder why such bad things happen to such really good people."
In a Facebook post, the Lambton Sting AAA Hockey Club expressed its sadness and passed along its condolences.
"The Sarnia-Lambton Jr. Sting AAA family is mourning the tragic loss of one of our own, Dane Nisbet, a former player within our association and the local hockey community." it said. "The bond shared between teammates is lifelong, and we know this loss will be felt deeply by the coaches, players, and families who shared the ice with him. We extend our deepest condolences to the Nisbet family and all of Dane’s loved ones. Our thoughts also remain with the two others injured and everyone affected this morning. We stand in solidarity with the entire Sarnia-Lambton community during this incredibly difficult time."
The Stars also posted a message to their Facebook page.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Dane Nisbet, a tough and talented player whose passion for the game touched everyone lucky enough to know him," read the post.
"Dane will be remembered for his kindness, determination, and always looking out for his teammates. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the entire hockey community. Rest in peace, Dane—you will be missed but never forgotten."
The Petrolia Flyers said "on behalf of the entire Petrolia Flyers family, we offer our heartfelt sympathies, thoughts, and prayers to everyone affected by today’s senseless events."
