Red Wings' prospect Bryan Rufenach was electrocuted when he touched the overhead power line after climbing atop a stopped train while traveling in Switzerland, according to a translation of a story in the
Swiss media outlet 20min.ch.
Red Wings prospect Bryan Rufenach was on a backpacking tour of Europe when he died. A friend with whom he was traveling was unhurt.
Rufenach, 23, a native of Barrie, Ontario, was the Red Wings' fifth choice (208th overall) in the 2007 NHL draft. The defenseman made his pro debut with the ECHL's Toledo Walleye at the end of the 2010-11 season and split last season between the Walleye and the Grand Rapids (Mich.) Griffins of the American Hockey League.
"Bryan was an up-and-coming player in our organization who improved a great deal this season and had a bright future ahead of him," Griffins coach Curt Fraser said in a statement.
"He was a really good kid - smart and quiet - who understood his role, worked hard every day he came to the rink and was a pleasure to coach. We're going to miss him."
The teams announced his death Wednesday but gave no details of the circumstances. His hometown newspaper, the
Lindsay (Ontario)
Post, first reported that Rufenach was electrocuted but also did not provide details.
"Bryan was a great teammate and would play any role asked of him," Walleye coach Nick Vitucci said. Tweeted Red Wings prospect Brendan Smith: "Great player and was an even better person."
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