Former Prince Albert WHL, Huskies hockey player remembered as a “natural leader” after death | The Canadian News

A former Western Hockey League (WHL) and Prince Albert Huskies player has died.

Matt Swaby, 34, died Friday in a “tragic agricultural accident,” according to a Facebook post by a family member.

Swaby played AAA dwarf hockey for the Prince Albert Mintos.

He played in the WHL with the Tri-City Americans from 2004 to 2007, then with the Edmonton Oil Kings for the 2007-2008 season.

He then went on to play three seasons with the Saskatchewan Huskies from 2008 to 2011.

in a online statementThe Edmonton Oil Kings wrote that the Prince Albert native “was known for his courage, determination, hard work and leadership.

“Matt was a guy who always had a smile on his face and brought a lot of energy to the room,” wrote Rogan Dean, the team’s longtime chief team manager.

“He had no bad days and he was a natural leader.”

TO Go finance me It has been started to help Swaby’s family.

“On Friday, November 26, the world lost one of the good guys,” it reads. “Our dear friend Matt Swaby leaves behind his loving wife Carla and their three children Thomas, 6, Blake, 4, and Kody, 2.”

As of Sunday, the fundraiser had raised more than $ 135,000 of its goal of $ 150,000.

According to the page, the money will go towards funeral expenses, education, ranch expenses and “hopefully some things that can make Carla and the children smile.”