BCHL mourns death

Photo: CTV

The BC Hockey League issued the following statement Monday over the death of former player Matthew Hutchinson.

Hutchinson was one of three people found dead in an apartment in New York state over the weekend.

The BCHL is offering its most heartfelt sympathies to the friends and family of Matthew Hutchinson.

The 24-year-old was among three found deceased in a home near the State University of New York-Geneseo, where he was studying and playing on the school’s varsity hockey team.

Hutchinson played 130 games in the BCHL, spending time with the Surrey Eagles, Quesnel Millionaires, Coquitlam Express and Chilliwack Chiefs.

A native of North Vancouver, Hutchinson had many friends across the BCHL. He is remembered by coaches and teammates alike for his outgoing personality, ready smile and for the positive impact he made for his team and on those around him.

"We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Matthew’s passing," said BCHL commissioner John Grisdale. “He was a hockey player who worked extremely hard to earn the opportunities he got in the game. His former coaches and teammates remember him fondly and I know he will be missed.”

The Coquitlam Express will be holding a moment of silence for Matthew before their next home game on Jan. 22. The Chilliwack Chiefs will hold a moment of silence before their next home game on Jan. 30.

The bodies of 21-year-old Kelsey Annese of Webster, NY and 24-year-old Colin Kingston of Geneseo, NY were also found in the home.

Police believe Kingston stabbed Annese, his ex-girlfriend, and Hutchinson to death with a knife.

Kingston apparently called his father before eventually turning the knife on himself.