The Lakeshore Canadiens forward who died suddenly Tuesday night is being remembered for his passion for hockey, his smile, and his friendliness.
Sylvain Lessard, a forward with the Habs, was killed when the SUV he was driving collided with a transport truck on County Road 42 west of Pattillo Road shortly after 9 p.m. Canadiens general manager Mark Seguin confirmed to WindsorNewsToday.ca that the player died at the scene.
The OPP continues to investigate the crash and has not provided additional details.
The Canadiens' game Wednesday at Dresden was postponed.
At a game Wednesday night between the Amherstburg Admirals and Lessard's previous team, the Wheatley Sharks, both teams paused on the ice to remember Lessard as a #11 Wheatley jersey was hung from a railing above the ice.
"After a compassionate show of love and concern for their friend and teammate, who was tragically taken from us Tuesday evening, the two teams played one for Sylvain," read a post on the Sharks' website. "Many tears were shed and memories thought of, but Sly would have wanted it this way. It was just the type of guy he was."
Lessard had only been with the Habs a short time, having joined the team right after the start of the junior C season. This season, Lessard scored four goals for seven points with Wheatley and Lakeshore.
Funeral arrangements for Lessard had not been finalized as of Thursday evening. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help pay expenses. As of Friday afternoon, it had raised over $23,000, surpassing its goal.