The B.C. hockey community is in mourning, and the Penticton Silver Bullets have withdrawn from the Coy Cup tournament set to start tomorrow.
The sudden death of Penticton hockey player and coach Morton Johnston has upset the Silver Bullets team to the point they feel unable to attend to their hockey duties. The support from the hockey world is flooding in, including from the Quesnel Kangaroos franchise set to host the Coy Cup showcase.
“Due to the tragic loss of Morton Johnston within the Penticton Silver Bullets, they will be staying home to be with their families during this time,” said a statement from the Kangaroos. “We send our deepest condolences to his family, his team, and everyone else feeling this loss.”
Morton was in the midst of coaching the Princeton Posse’s playoff series, heading into Game 6 of their Kootenay International Junior Hockey League battle with the Revelstoke Grizzlies. An assistant bench boss, he was killed in a car crash earlier in the day, on March 26, just prior to the game.
“According to RCMP Sgt. Rob Hughes, police were notified at approximately 2 p.m. Sunday of a vehicle incident on Old Hedley Road near Princeton,” reported the Penticton Western News. “A car left the road and travelled down an embankment, struck several trees, and flipped over. The driver was ejected from the car and while the airbag was deployed the seatbelt was found fully retracted, according to Hughes. An investigation is continuing.”
Johnston was later determined to be the victim. He was 25 years old.
Demonstrating the depth of the Canadian hockey family, Johnston was also a former Quesnel Kangaroos player. The team described the relationship in this way:
“The Quesnel Kangaroos Hockey Club is saddened to hear the loss of Morton Johnson. A guy who was loved by many. A leader, a heart and soul guy! Last season Mort threw on the Roos jersey with a big smile and loved every minute of it. This season Morton was part of the Penticton Silver Bullets and was a huge contributor to their team both on and off the ice. The hockey world has lost a true gentlemen! Once a Roo, always a Roo Morton! You will be missed.”
The Kangaroos organizers were quickly able to adjust the schedule to accommodate the withdrawn Silver Bullets.
“There will now be no 4:30 p.m. games,” the team announced. “Anyone with pre-purchased tickets to a Penticton game can get a full refund, all tournament pass holders will be able to get a partial refund. If you wish to donate your refund to the Morton family, we will have that set up as well.”
Refunds will start in the lobby at the West Fraser Centre at 3:30 p.m. on March 28, the first day of the event now featuring three teams: the host Kangaroos, the Dawson Creek Canucks, and the Terrace River Kings.
