I've talked before about how much I love the University of Kentucky's hockey team. When I first came to Kentucky, I missed Pennsylvania, and one of the things I missed most about home was hockey. From my first trip to a UK hockey game, I was hooked. It reminded me of home, it was comforting to be around something familiar, to be around hockey... the smell of the ice, the fans, the sport. I've been going to their games for three years now, and with every game at midnight, I've grown to love the organization and even the sport of hockey even more.
On Sunday night, UK hockey player Taylor Vit was involved in a serious car accident, and yesterday, he lost his life. I've watched Taylor play for three years now... and watched him play in his last game on Saturday night. He was one of the best.
I didn't know Taylor personally, and I can only begin to understand how big of a loss this is. All those involved in this sport we love know that hockey is a family. The players, coaches, fans... it's a family. Especially in the South, where finding hockey is a little more difficult. I've never been involved in UK's hockey team as anything more than a fan, but UK's hockey team means a lot to me, and I grieve with them in this tragic loss.
I can only imagine what Taylor's friends, family and teammates are going through right now... it seems like anything I could say right now in no way could offer any comfort.
But to the UK hockey team, as a very awesome London Knights' season ticket holder once told me, "...Keep your head up and your stick on the ice," and know that all of us fans are pulling for you, and will be there to cheer you on.
We won't forget you #14.
My most heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the Vit family, as well as Taylor's friends, and teammates. God Bless.
4 comments:
I always wish I had the proper words to say at a time like this, but I never do.
It's just another reminder of how short life really is and how we absolutely cannot take it for granted.
The only knowledge I have of UK hockey came from you. I know it means a lot to you, and therfore, means a lot to me. Taylor's friends, family, and teammates will be in my prayers.
All my love, my prayers, my thoughts, my sympathy, but most importantly, my love to you and to everyone Taylor Vit's life touched.
Big hugs. And lots of them.
My son plays for the UK Hockey team and has had a very hard time dealing with the sudden loss of Taylor as he was such a big part of the team. I am giving him a link to your post because it is kind words like yours that is going to help him get through the tough times. Thank you for your support of the UK Hockey Family!
My son and his friends played with Taylor in the Philly area - a great kid on and off the ice - our prayers are with the Vit family.
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