Beloved minor hockey coach victim of Maple Ridge crash

A Ridge Meadows minor hockey coach was killed in a car crash on Sunday.

The Mission City Outlaws hockey team says that its coach, Martin Hak, has died.

“Coach Hak was a person who touched many people both on and off the ice,” said the team in a social media post.

“His keen intellect and passion for the game, humour, and all-around personality will be missed greatly by the hockey community.”

Hak had become the head coach of the team this season.

Mission City Outlaws Jr. hockey post. (Mission City Outlaws)

“He was more than just a hockey coach – he was a mentor, role model and friend to countless players, parents and families.”

The Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey Association also shares a tribute to Hak.

He had worked as a coach for the Association for over a decade.

“Hak pushed his players hard because he believed in them. He saw what they could become and never stopped trying to bring that out in them. His influence reaches far beyond the rink, and many of our athletes, families, and coaches will feel this loss,” the Association said.

“We encourage our players to lean on each other, their teammates, and their community during this time. Support is here. No one needs to navigate this alone.”

The crash occurred on 128th Avenue near Laity Street at around 5:30 p.m.

1130 NewsRadio has reached out to the Ridge Meadows RCMP for more information on the incident.