The hockey community came together in a powerful way Friday night at the Mooretown Sports Complex.
Before facing off in preseason action, the Mooretown Flags and North Middlesex Stars took time to honour former teammate and friend Dane Nisbet, whose loss earlier this year continues to be felt throughout the local hockey community.
Nisbet was just 20 years old when he was tragically killed in April. A familiar face in local hockey, Dane played his minor hockey in the Sarnia area before going on to play junior hockey with organizations including the Mooretown Flags and North Middlesex Stars. The PJHL described his passing as a devastating loss for the league and the many people who knew him.
For Friday night’s game, both of the teams that Dane once represented shared the ice once again — but before the game could truly begin, they made sure to leave space for someone who should have been there.
Four Players Aside, One Wing Left Open
As the opening faceoff approached, both the Flags and Stars began the game with just four players on the ice.
One wing position was intentionally left open in honour of Dane.
The tribute continued as the teams allowed 18 seconds to run off the clock, recognizing Dane’s No. 18 jersey number.
For those 18 seconds, the scoreboard continued to run, but hockey took a back seat.
It was a simple gesture, but an incredibly powerful one.
The empty space on the ice served as a reminder of the player, teammate, friend and person who remains deeply missed by so many throughout the hockey community.
More Than Just a Hockey Player
For those who only knew Dane through the game, he was a hardworking hockey player who represented each community he played for with passion and pride.
But for the people who knew him personally, he was much more than that.
Dane was a personal friend of mine and my family, which made seeing this tribute especially emotional. Moments like Friday night show just how much of an impact one person can have on the people and communities around them.
His connection to hockey extended across the Sarnia-Lambton area and beyond. Dane played for the Lambton Jr. Sting organization before his junior career included time with the Mooretown Flags, Sarnia Legionnaires and North Middlesex Stars. In the months since his passing, the hockey community has continued finding ways to honour and remember him.
A Community That Hasn’t Forgotten
Friday night’s preseason matchup was about preparing for another hockey season.
But before the competition began, both teams showed that some things are bigger than the game.
The Mooretown Flags and North Middlesex Stars may have been opponents once the puck dropped, but for those opening moments, they stood together in memory of someone who was once part of both organizations.
Leaving the wing open and allowing 18 seconds to come off the clock was a fitting tribute to Dane.
Gone far too soon, but certainly not forgotten.
“Once a Flag Always a Flag”
Next Gen Hockey extends its continued condolences to Dane’s family, friends, former teammates and everyone who continues to feel the impact of his loss.
Rest easy, Dane. #18 will never be forgotten.