SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — Lake Superior State University is mourning the loss of men’s hockey equipment manager Wes DeJong Jr., who died unexpectedly on the evening of Saturday, July 16, at the age of 28. The university did not disclose cause of death in its announcement .
"The LSSU campus community wishes to extend our prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Wes DeJong," Lakers coach Damon Whitten, who is entering his ninth season in 2022-23, said in the announcement .
"Our campus, and especially those of us in athletics, will greatly miss Wes. He was universally loved across campus with his huge smile, quick wit, and total commitment to all things Lakers. For over a decade Wes lived his dream of being part of Laker hockey. He inspired us to put the team first, attack each day with good humor, and to find a way to get the job done. He will continue to inspire our department and Laker hockey."
A tremendous loss for @HockeyLSSU We are devastated to share that Wes DeJong unexpectedly passed away last night. He loyally and selflessly served Laker hockey for over a decade. 🙏 #ringydingy Luke 23:43 pic.twitter.com/Yno7MOeNhY
— Damon Whitten (@DWhitt14) July 17, 2022
DeJong started with the Lakers hockey program as a student manager in 2012. After graduating with an undergraduate degree in sports management in 2017, he continued to volunteer on the hockey staff for another two seasons before being hired as the equipment manager in 2019.
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His death has drawn an outpouring of support from across the hockey community beyond just Sault Ste. Marie and the eastern portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula — from former Minnesota Duluth goaltender Kenny Reiter to Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings.
Larkin reflected on meeting DeJong when the Lakers won the 2018 Great Lakes Invitational at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
Rest easy, Wes. Will never forget seeing him at GLI a few years back so proud to be working for @HockeyLSSU https://t.co/FIK4uV92yg
— Dylan Larkin (@Dylanlarkin39) July 18, 2022
Thoughts go out all of the LSSU Lakers players, staff and alumni. You only truly understand how much of an impact these people have on you when you have the privilege to experience it first hand. #hockeyisfamily #RIP https://t.co/hodJZ0hFLH
— Kenny Reiter (@_YesHeCan) July 19, 2022
DeJong’s fellow equipment managers and the Lakers he worked with have also posted tributes this week. The university held a memorial for DeJong on Tuesday on campus at the Victory Bell, which the Lakers hockey team rings after every home victory.
Really tough one here for the entire Hockey Equipment community... It was always a pleasure getting to interact with Wes and see just how much passion he had for the game and his job. Rest easy my friend. https://t.co/3rHRlEYoP5
— Ron Grove Jr. (@NDhockeysk8guy) July 18, 2022
Rest In Peace big guy ❤️🙏 Such a hard day for anyone who knew him. So many good memories over the last two years with you Wes! Never a dull moment when you were around, fly high 🕊 https://t.co/uMNHxapp7P
— Ethan Langenegger (@elangenegger30) July 18, 2022
Gone way too soon…You’ll never be forgotten Wes! Thank you so much for what you all have done for the laker hockey team. You’re the best equipment manager and everyone’s best friend. Rest in piece brother! I love you. https://t.co/bHhfQIpv0W pic.twitter.com/T7CGNdLMqX
— Yuki Miura/三浦優希 (@yukimiura36) July 18, 2022
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According to the LSSU athletic department , the DeJong family has requested gifts be made to support the Lakers hockey program, in lieu of flowers.
