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Redcliff mourns after local hockey player passes away

Jan 21, 2019 | 7:58 AM

Redcliff, AB – The Town of Redcliff is rallying to support a local family whose 10-year-old son died suddenly on Friday night.

Dexter Druar played for the Atom Blue Grizzlies.

Rachel Dreger’s son played with Dexter.

“He was the captain of our team two years in a row now and there wasn’t even a question at the beginning of the year,” explained Dreger. “Dexter wore the ‘C’ with pride every game and practice. He was the sweetest, funniest kid and a huge jokester. I think everybody is going to miss his big smile and his pranks.”

Dreger says the Prairie Rose School Division stepped up to help by making councillors and support workers available to the Redcliff Minor Hockey Association.

“Prairie Rose School Division had councillors, volunteers and support workers that were made available to all of Redcliff Minor Hockey teams. It was good to just listen to some professional help and hang out with each other.”

Dexter’s teammates held a bottle drive on Sunday to help support his family. As of Sunday evening, more than 3 and a half garages full of bottles had been collected according to a Facebook post.

Redcliff Minor Hockey President Bruce Johnson says there is something being planned to honour Dexter’s memory.

“As an association, we’re a very tight-knit family,” explained Johnson. “Whenever anything goes wrong like this it just rocks everyone. There are things in the works to commemorate Dexter, but it’s too soon to talk about any of them. Just know we do have individuals and volunteers working on some projects.”

Dreger says when tragic news like this happens, the support from the hockey community is like no other.

“We have one of the best hockey associations around, I truly believe that. Our neighbouring associations have come forward with support and condolences, trying to pitch in where they can. Everybody at the end of the day is really just one big hockey family.”

Following the announcement, Dreger also organized an account to pay for some of Dexter’s funeral costs.

“Unfortunately, there’s very little a person can do to help in a situation like this,” explained Dreger. “By volunteering time, money and anything people are able to help out. Our hope is to cover the cost of the funeral and we hope this is not a financial burden on this family.”

E-transfers can be made to rrdreger@telus.net for those wanting to donate.

“Right now what I have set up is an account. E-transfers will go directly into this account and it will pay funeral costs first and then whatever donations are left over will go to the family.”

Dreger says cash, gift-cards and cheques can be dropped off during business hours at the Redcliff Hilton.

“Maybe you can’t afford to donate cash out of your pocket, but you have a gift card around that you don’t think you’ll use, maybe it’s something the family can use. Groceries, meals or things from Walmart, anything that people might have availability to. Basically, just anything that people are willing to donate.”