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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted at 2:20 p.m., Monday, February 18, 2008

Hockey: Junior league center Renaud, 19, dies

Associated Press

WINDSOR, Ontario — Mickey Renaud, a center with the junior league Windsor Spitfires, died today after collapsing at his home in Tecumseh, the team said. Renaud was 19.

Renaud, a fifth-round draft pick by the NHL's Calgary Flames, was taken to a hospital with no vital signs and attempts at resuscitation were unsuccessful, team physician Dr. Roy Diklich said.

Renaud was pronounced dead in the emergency room at Windsor Regional Hospital, the Ontario Hockey League team said on its Web site. An autopsy was scheduled later Tuesday, police said.

Renaud, the captain, was in his third year with the Spitfires and had 21 goals and 41 points in 56 games this season.

"This is the biggest tragedy in Spitfire history," Windsor general manager Warren Rychel said in a statement. "Words alone cannot describe our pain at this time."

Renaud was to have participated in the team's Family Day skate at Windsor Arena beginning at noon Monday. His teammates were called off the ice.

"The entire Ontario Hockey League family is mourning this tragic news," OHL commissioner David Branch said. "We extend our deepest condolences to Mickey's family, friends and teammates during this very difficult time."

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound center showed solid development last season, when he scored 22 goals and amassed 54 points in 68 OHL games.

Renaud excelled at penalty killing, finishing third in the league last season with six short-handed goals.

Mark Renaud, his father, played 142 NHL games with the Hartford Whalers from 1979-1980 through 1982-83, and 10 games with the Buffalo Sabres in 1983-84.