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Family Day was supposed to be fun and relaxing for the Windsor Spitfires. Instead of practising, the players were scheduled to appear at the Windsor Arena throughout the afternoon and skate leisurely with friends and fans of the OHL team.
Spitfires captain Mickey Renaud, 19, had decided to have a few teammates over to his family home in Tecumseh, Ont., for breakfast before heading to the arena known affectionately as the Barn.
But in the midst of an enjoyable morning, something went horribly wrong. Renaud began convulsing, then passed out. An ambulance was called while efforts were made to revive the stricken teen.
By the time he was taken to the Windsor Regional Hospital, it was too late. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound centre was gone and a family, a team and corners of the hockey world were thrust into mourning.
Windsor Spitfire Captain Mickey Renaud skates during an OHL game in Ottawa in this file photo taken January 25, 2008. The 19 year-old collapsed at his home in Tecumseh and was transported to Windsor Regional Hospital with no vital signs. (MIKE CARROCCETTO/The Canadian Press)
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"We're in a state of shock," said Tom Webster, a family friend who twice coached the Spitfires and was responsible for getting the NHL's Calgary Flames to draft Renaud in the fifth round in 2007. "I don't know how to describe it. Just seeing the guys at the rink, the staff, everyone in the organization, it's really difficult to deal with. … I feel just like I lost a son."
Spitfires team physician Roy Diklich outlined Monday's medical efforts in a statement that said Renaud was "absent of vital signs" when the player reached hospital. "All attempts were made at resuscitations and were unsuccessful at the emergency room."
According to a family contact, an autopsy was planned for last night to try to learn what happened to the seemingly healthy young man renowned for his character as much as his ability to play hockey.
Renaud was in his third season with the Spitfires and beginning to assert himself as a leader.
It was that trait that had the Flames looking fondly to the future.
"He was a guy who gave you a little of everything — penalty killing, he could play on the power play, he could hit," Flames scout Todd Button said. "The thing that struck me was his leadership, especially with a young team. He got the job done."
Moe Mantha, who signed Renaud to play for the Spitfires, recalled Renaud's smarts, how good he was with and without the puck. Mantha said he could tell Renaud came from a hockey family.
"He was a very good athlete in very good shape and we were looking for that to help turn things around," Mantha said. "I met with his mom and dad before training camp. The apple didn't fall far from the tree. They're a first-class, genuine family. I feel so badly for them."
Mark Renaud played 152 games in the NHL, most of them with the Hartford Whalers, as a solid defenceman. Mark's brother, Chris, played in the AHL and was coached by Webster.
"I can't say enough good things about this young man," Webster said of Mickey. "I compare him to Adam Graves. In '88, we went to the Memorial Cup with Adam. Mickey could have been that way next year or maybe this year. He always came to the rink with a smile on his face."
Renaud's death was felt in Uniondale, where New York Islanders head coach Ted Nolan, whose son, Jordan, plays for the Spitfires, wasn't behind the bench for the first period when his team played the San Jose Sharks. Nolan needed time to talk to his son and compose himself.
"He was my son's teammate and good friend, and it was tragic," Nolan said. "Sometimes there are a lot more important things than a hockey game."
The Spitfires are supposed to play host to the Plymouth Whalers on Thursday. There was no news Monday whether the game will be played and when a memorial service for Renaud will be held.
"I'd like to go pay my respects," said former teammate Mitch Maunu, who now plays for Lakehead University. "To hear about him passing, it's heartbreaking. He was such a great guy, so full of life and energy. He had so much in front of him.
"It's incomprehensible [that he's gone], that's the best word to describe it."
Renaud had attended the Flames' training camp last September and had scored 21 goals and 20 assists in 56 games this OHL season. He was in the lineup on Sunday when Windsor defeated Owen Sound 4-1.
