Some news just leave you numb and empty. Especially, when the death strikes great people full of goodness and vitality at the apex of their life.

Such tragedy just touched the lives of millions of people not just in Russia, Czech Republic, Canada, Slovakia, and Sweden, but in many countries around the world where people cherish their national heroes.

Canadian Slovaks are mourning the death of the hockey great Pavol Demitra who was a honorary member of our community not only while he played for the Vancouver Canucks, but when as the star of St. Louis Blues, Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings and Minnesota Wilds  regularly played in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton and all over the United States. He gave the Slovaks in North America a chance to dust-off our Slovak flag, go to the game and cheer for one of our best. And Pavol made many personal friends among the Slovaks on this continent not only when he was one of the biggest NHL stars, but also when he played on junior teams Prince Edward Island Senators, Las Vegas Thunder, Grand Rapids Giffins, and of course representing Slovakia in many international duels, including at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

We want to express our sadness and condolences to his family, wife Maria, children Lucas and Zara, all his teammates and friends, and to all hockey fans in Slovakia, Canada and around the world.

Kanadský Slovák