STATEMENT ON PASSING OF NAHL STAFF MEMBER FRASER RITCHIE

Jun 12, 2017

The Corpus Christi IceRays, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), have released a statement from General Manager Pat Dunn regarding the passing of Fraser Ritchie, NAHL Director of Hockey Administration, on the morning of June 10, 2017 due to complications of cancer.

“Fraser was a great man, someone that I could call a friend. What he did for the league was immeasurable. After having a very successful professional life he didn’t slow down and worked long hours to help out at the league level. Fraser always took your call or responded to your emails no matter what time of day it was. He was a trooper and a wonderful person. He will be missed.”

Fraser “Robert” Ritchie had just completed his eighth season with the NAHL, overseeing league logistics, scheduling, operations and daily support across the umbrella of leagues. His biggest contribution on a daily basis was the accuracy and tracking of statistics throughout the NAHL, NA3HL and NAPHL as the administrator for HockeyTech and LeagueStat while providing troubleshooting assistance and support each weekend for all 80 teams between the three leagues.

Outside of the league office, Ritchie was an ambassador for the sport of hockey in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area, serving on the Board of Directors for the Dallas Junior Hockey Association and the Allen High School Hockey Club, being an advisor to the AT&T Metroplex High School Hockey League, and serving as President of the North Texas Hockey League for three years. He was also named Volunteer of the Year for Youth Hockey by the Dallas Stars in 2006-07.

“This is an incredibly tough day for the NAHL family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Fraser, his wife Michelle, and the rest of his family,” said Mark Frankenfeld, NAHL Commissioner and President. “Despite the diagnosis of cancer towards the beginning of the season, Fraser remained committed and determined to not let it affect him or his commitment to our leagues and teams. Throughout all the challenges, Fraser fought through it with his patented workhorse style and loyalty, which has endeared him to so many people over the course of his time with us. He was someone who communicated with our teams on a daily basis, from our owners, to coaches and all the way to team volunteers. His influence and professionalism towards everyone is something that we will dearly miss. This is a very sad day, but knowing the battle he fought, we hope to find solace that Fraser is now at peace.”

He is survived his wife, Michelle, and two sons Trent and Derek, along with two grandchildren.

The IceRays organization sends their deepest condolences to the Ritchie family and to those who have been personally touched by the life and successes of Fraser.