The Chicago Blackhawks played Sunday night's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs with heavy hearts after learning about the passing of assistant equipment manager, Clint Reif, earlier in the day.
The team issued the following statement:
"We are deeply saddened by the untimely loss of one of our own family members this morning. Like all trainers and support staff within our organization, Clint was instrumental in helping our players and coaches prepare and compete both on and off the ice. Our sincerest sympathies go out to the Reif family."
Reif was in his ninth season with the Blackhawks equipment staff and his sixth as the assistant equipment manager.
The team played Sunday's game with a "CR" on their helmets and later dedicated the 4-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs to him.
#HAWKSWIN pic.twitter.com/aqzgwj27xq
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 22, 2014
The players commented on the tragic news after the game.
Toews on Reif: He’s part of our team. He might as well have been wearing one of these sweaters. He’s a special dude, for sure.
— ESPN Chicago (@ESPNChiHawks) December 22, 2014
Duncan Keith: It’s not easy. Obviously you don’t expect something like that. It’s tough.
— ESPN Chicago (@ESPNChiHawks) December 22, 2014
Sharp: "Normally you can turn off whatever issues you have, but tonight I don't think anybody was able to do that." #Blackhawks
— Nina Falcone (@NinaFalcone) December 22, 2014
Patrick Kane recorded one goal and added two assists, while Antti Raanta recorded the shutout, as the Blackhawks won their eighth straight at home.
