Blenheim Blades mourn crash death of captain Craig Spence

Former Blenheim Blades captain Craig Spence is being remembered as a great player and an even greater teammate and friend.

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The 22-year-old from Chatham died Tuesday in a collision on Highway 401 in London.

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“He was a well-spoken player that led by example,” Blades general manager Bob Price said. “He was well respected in the dressing room, well respected by the coaches, well respected by everyone that I knew. He will be sadly missed.”

The Blades have postponed their awards ceremony scheduled for Friday. They’ll wait until players are ready to celebrate Spence’s life.

“The ones I’ve talked to, they’re all hurting,” Price said. “It’s like a family out in Blenheim.”

Spence helped the Blades set franchise records for wins and points this season in the Provincial Junior Hockey League as an over-ager.

“Craig was a leader on and off the ice,” the Blades said in a statement. “His play was outstanding and earned him Stobbs Division player of month for November . . . (and) defenceman of the year this past season.

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“But to the Blades family, he was Spence, easy with a smile, always willing to step up if help was needed. He was a dedicated teammate, brother and a friend to all of us in the Blades family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Craig’s family, and all those who knew and loved him.”

Spence won the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Western Conference championship in 2021-22 with his hometown Maroons. He left them early the next season to join the Blades.

“Craig was more than just a stellar athlete on the ice; he embodied the essence of what it meant to be a genuine and wonderful human being,” the Maroons said in a statement. “His presence graced not only the rink, but also the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.”

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Spence was an assistant captain with the Maroons.

Chatham Maroons’ Craig Spence plays against the Strathroy Rockets at Chatham Memorial Arena on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022. (Mark Malone/Chatham Daily News Files)

“As a leader, Craig went beyond the call of duty both on and off the ice,” the Maroons said. “His commitment to excellence was matched only by his unwavering dedication to our Chatham-Kent community. Whether lending a helping hand during the Breast Buddies’ last paddle of the season or simply illuminating the room with his infectious smile, Craig’s impact was immeasurable.

“Our thoughts and prayers extend to his beloved family, cherished friends, teammates and coaches during this incredibly difficult time. May they find solace in the countless memories of Craig’s outstanding motivation, skill, thoughtfulness and that radiant smile that could brighten even the darkest of days.”

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Spence was driving a pickup that collided with a transport truck Tuesday just after 3 p.m. on Highway 401 East at Colonel Talbot Road, provincial police said.

He was thrown from his truck and died at the scene, OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk said in a video on X. The transport driver was unhurt.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone . . . affected by this tragedy,” Sanchuk said in another video. “I also want to send my deepest . . . condolences to all family and friends of the deceased.”

Tributes to Spence came from across the local hockey community.

“Craig was a hard-working and dedicated individual, and a leader in Blenheim and across the PJHL community,” a league statement said. “Our hearts and sincere condolences go out to the Spence family and friends, his teammates and coaches, the Blenheim and surrounding community, and all those affected by the loss.”

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“It was an honour to compete against an outstanding player and even a better person,” the Lakeshore Canadiens said. “All players in the PJHL should strive to be like him.”

“He . . . was one of the greatest defencemen the PJHL has ever seen, often playing 40-plus minutes a night and finishing the year with 74 points in 36 games,” the Essex 73’s added. “Most of all, Craig will be remembered for the character and leadership he displayed on and off the ice.”

Spence was a seventh-round pick by the Mississauga Steelheads in the 2018 Ontario Hockey League draft after playing for the Chatham-Kent AAA Cyclones.

“He was always willing to give back to the organization and volunteer. He will be missed,” the Cyclones said.

“The Steelheads are saddened to learn about the passing of former player Craig Spence,” added the OHL team. “We would like to extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates and all those affected.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help Spence’s family with funeral costs and expenses. More than $12,000 was raised towards the $5,000 goal by Wednesday afternoon.

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