LocalSportsJournal.com

NORTON SHORES – The Mona Shores High School hockey team and Norton Shores community is mourning the tragic loss of senior defenseman Brennan Dethloff.

Dethloff, 18, the son of Brian and Rona Dethloff, was involved in a car accident Saturday and passed away from his injuries on Monday.

No. 4 Dethloff makes a shot on net for Mona Shores during the team’s playoff win over Manistee on February 29. Photo/Eric Sturr

No details of the accident were available.

With the arrival of the difficult news, the Sailors hockey team put a post on social media, asking community members to honor Dethloff by placing a hockey stick on their front porches with the hashtag #forBrennan22.

Mona Shores and other area high school hockey teams were supposed to begin their season in November, but were interrupted by COVID-19.  The new season will begin in early February.

“Today the Mona Shores Hockey team lost one of our senior defenseman,” said an announcement on the Mona Shores hockey social media page. “Brennan Dethloff passed away from injuries sustained in a car accident on Saturday. He will be greatly missed by his hockey family. Please honor Brennan’s memory by placing a hockey stick on your porch with the #forBrennan22.”

“This young man will always hold a special place in my heart,” Mona Shores hockey coach Chris Benedict posted on Facebook. “I’ve been not only lucky enough to coach Bren, but I’ve watched him grow up. My heart is broken. Keep flashing that smile down on us buddy, we love you.”

“There are no words to help!” retired Mona Shores High School administrator Mike Mack posted on Facebook. “I just pray for all of the community and the hockey family and of course the Dethloff family.”

The Kenowa Hills/Fruitport/Fremont hockey team tribute. Photo/Facebook

The response from the statewide hockey community was felt almost immediately as tributes to Dethloff started to pour in on social media.

“The entire Jenison hockey community shares in your grief. #forBrennan22.” – Jenison hockey.

“WO (West Ottawa) Panther varsity hockey sending thoughts and prayers to the Dethloff family and the Mona Shores hockey family in the loss of Brennan. RIP Brennan. #forBrennan22 – West Ottawa Panther Hockey.

“Our deepest condolences to the Mona Shores Hockey Family. You will all be in our prayers…..” – Traverse City Central Trojan hockey.

LocalSportsJournal.com covered Mona Shores hockey in the 2019-20 season, and took a number of photos of Dethloff that can be seen below.