Bryan Rufenach, a 23-year-old prospect for the Detroit Red Wings, has died.
According to a release by the Red Wings, Rufenach passed away recently while traveling in Switzerland. No further details were made available from the team.
Rufenach was Detroit's fifth pick (208th overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He played for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL last season.
"Bryan was an up-and-coming player in our organization who improved a great deal this season and had a bright future ahead of him," said Griffins head coach Curt Fraser. "He was a really good kid – smart and quiet – who understood his role, worked hard every day he came to the rink and was a pleasure to coach. We're going to miss him."
Before playing in Grand Rapids, Rufenach spent time with Toledo of the ECHL. He had earned a degree in financial information and analysis from Clarkson University.
According to the Griffins' web site, a memorial and funeral arrangements were still pending.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 3:55 PM EDT2013-05-22 19:55:48 GMT
Fox 2's Woody Woodriffe sits down with Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard to preview the team's game 4 matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night.
Fox 2's Woody Woodriffe sits down with Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard to preview the team's game 4 matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night.
Tiger Woods says the "fried chicken" comment from Sergio Garcia was hurtful and inappropriate. Two weeks after they verbally sparred at The Players Championship, Woods say it's time to move on.
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By The Associated Press Sergio Garcia apologized for saying he would "serve fried chicken" while making a joke about having Tiger Woods over for dinner.
Miguel Cabrera hit a two-run homer and Max Scherzer retired 22 straight batters after the first inning, leading the Detroit Tigers to a 5-1 win over Cleveland on Tuesday night to stop the Indians' winning streak...
Miguel Cabrera hit a two-run homer and Max Scherzer retired 22 straight batters after the first inning, leading the Detroit Tigers to a 5-1 win over Cleveland on Tuesday night to stop the Indians' winning streak at five...
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:43 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:43:35 GMT
Brian Woehlke and his family
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
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Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:43 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:43:15 GMT
Gustav Nyquist and Drew Miller scored 31 seconds apart midway through a previously scoreless game, helping the Red Wings beat the Blackhawks 3-1 on Monday night for a 2-1 series lead.
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Thursday, May 16 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:03:37 GMT
Woody Woodriffe caught up with Nascar champion Jeff Gordon on Thursday, who was in town to participate in Gleaners Community Food Bank's Drive to End Hunger.
Woody Woodriffe caught up with Nascar champion Jeff Gordon on Thursday, who was in town to participate in Gleaners Community Food Bank's Drive to End Hunger.
Bryan Rufenach (redwings.nhl.com)
