Local hockey player dies in Rocky Mountain avalanche

He says while initially it was thought that four people were involved in the avalanche, it was later confirmed that three people were extricated from the hill.

The Ski Resort said that a group of three entered the closed area and triggered a size three avalanche burying two individuals. They state one individual was partially buried and rescued, but another was fully buried and did not survive. They said none of the individuals were wearing avalanche safety equipment.

The Rocky Rams Junior Hockey team in Rocky Mountain House confirmed on their Facebook page that Cale Stecyk, #19, was the member who passed away.

“Stecyk played the last three seasons for the Rams and was a great leader both on and off the ice, and possessed a wicked shot,” the team said in their post.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family Alan, Shari and Teagan as well as his girlfriend McKenna at this time. As well as numerous friends, colleagues and teammates. Cale was someone that everyone wanted to be around and play with, his infectious smile and presence will be missed by many.”

The Rams organization would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support that we have all received from the Hockey Community and from friends and family at this time.

“Cale touched all of our lives for the better and we were proud to be a small part of his life during his Jr. Hockey career,” said Head Coach Wendall Mason. “We are all feeling the loss of a loved one and want everyone to know that they do not need to grieve alone.”

The Rams said they have set up counselling services for all members of the organization who need it.

The Red Deer Vipers also put out a statement on their social media, noting that Stecyk, living in Red Deer, played minor hockey in the city before joining the Rams.

“We extend our sincere condolences to Cale’s family, friends and the Rams organization,” they wrote, adding that Stecyk was friends with many of the Vipers players.

The Sylvan Lake Wranglers hockey team also expressed their condolences on the Rams’ Facebook page.

“This hits home and is a very sad day. Our players are our family and to lose one seems incomprehensible. Cale was a great teammate and competitor who wore the Rams logo with pride and was well-respected by our organization. The Wranglers are with you during this difficult time,” they commented.

Cpl. Savinkoff says Stecyk’s body was taken to the Chief Medical Examiner in Calgary, where he anticipates an autopsy to be performed.

He says the two others in the avalanche, one from Rocky Mountain House and the other from Lacombe, faced minor injuries. No names have been shared at this time.

While many advanced-expert skiers and snowboarders have explored the terrain in previous years as a back-country area, West Bowl officially opened under the Lake Louise Ski Resort in 2020, making it an in-bound area. As a result, the Resort has been able to perform snow control, avalanche safety and ski patrol services.

Upon opening, the Resort posted a video about avalanche safety within the 480 acre terrain. They advise skiers and boarders to carry avalanche safety gear and know how to use it.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” the Resort said in a release. “This is also a serious reminder of the dangers of entering closed terrain.”

According to Avalanche Canada, a size three avalanche could bury and destroy a car, damage a truck, destroy a small building, or break a few trees. They report the West Bowl avalanche to have been 200 metres wide and 550 metres long with a crown depth of 40-50 cm.

by Alessia Proietti

Local hockey player dies in Rocky Mountain avalanche

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