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Hockey world mourns the loss of longtime coach and player at the age of 56
The Provincial Junior Hockey League's Midland Flyers have announced the sad passing of their coach and general manager, Dave Gillespie.
Tragically, the hockey world has lost yet another one of our own. The Midland Flyers of the Provincial Junior Hockey League has announced that their president, coach, and general manager, Dave Gillespie, has passed away.
The cause of death hasn't been released.
The Flyers released the following update on Facebook:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved President, General Manager, and Head Coach of the Midland Flyers Hockey Club.
Dave was more than just a leader-he was the heart and soul of this team. A former junior hockey player himself, he brought a deep passion for the game to everything he did. His dedication, tireless work, and unwavering belief in our players made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
He didn't just coach hockey-he built a family. And he loved this team with everything he had.
Gillespie was also a player himself, playing in the COJHL and the GBJCHL from 1987 to 1990.
The entire Flyers organization extends our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. He will be missed beyond words but never forgotten.
Coach. This season-and every one after-is for you.
Dave was more than just a leader-he was the heart and soul of this team. A former junior hockey player himself, he brought a deep passion for the game to everything he did. His dedication, tireless work, and unwavering belief in our players made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
He didn't just coach hockey-he built a family. And he loved this team with everything he had.
Gillespie was also a player himself, playing in the COJHL and the GBJCHL from 1987 to 1990.
The entire Flyers organization extends our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. He will be missed beyond words but never forgotten.
Coach. This season-and every one after-is for you.
Before taking the job with the Midland Flyers in 2021, Gillespie was the head coach of the Barrie Colts Under 18 club of the ETAHL.
He was also an assistant coach of the Oro-Medonte 77's of the GMHL.
Gillespie had a brief playing career as a goaltender, suiting up for the Markham Waxers of the COJHL along with the OPJHL's Newmarket Hurricanes.
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