LOWER SACKVILLE, N.S. – A memorial hockey game was held on Sunday evening in honour of Rylee Sears, a Grade 10 student who died suddenly after being diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis.
The 16-year-old loved hockey and was a defenceman on the Sackville Flyers Midget B team.
To help his family, the Midget A and Midget B teams organized the benefit game and encouraged local teams, businesses and friends to donate money. It was also a chance for everyone to come together and show support for Sears’ family.
“It’s helping them through a terrible time. They’re very happy to have this many people show up and support them,” said Jeff O’Flaherty, president of the Sackville Minor Hockey Association.
It’s estimated 1,400 people showed up; So many spectators packed into the Sackville Arena that some people had to be turned away at the door.
All the players in the game wore Sears’ name and number 17 on their jerseys. Before the game started, a banner bearing his number was hoisted in the arena and a moment of silence was held.