In the vibrant rinks of St. Catharines, Ontario, Brian “Duey” Dueck, a 42-year-old lifelong enthusiast of the sport, passed away unexpectedly on November 22, 2025, leaving the local hockey community in deep mourning.
Known for his relentless energy on the ice and approachable charm off it, Brian’s sudden departure has prompted tributes from leagues across Niagara. His legacy of sportsmanship and inspiration endures among teammates who recall his every shift.
Brian attended Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School in St. Catharines, where he captained the varsity hockey team and balanced academics with athletic demands. He later pursued a certificate in sports management from Niagara College, gaining knowledge that fueled his volunteer coaching roles. His education reflected a passion for the game that extended beyond playing to community building.
Professionally, Brian worked as a shift supervisor at a local automotive parts distributor for 18 years, overseeing inventory and team schedules with the same precision he brought to penalty kills. Colleagues admired his ability to motivate staff during long shifts, often sharing post-work tales from recent games. His career blended reliability with the camaraderie of team sports.
Brian shared a cozy home in the Martindale neighborhood with his wife of 15 years and their two young sons, creating a family space alive with backyard rinks in winter. He stayed close to his parents and sister through annual family skates at the Meridian Centre. These bonds formed the joyful anchor of his dedicated life.
Brian embraced a disciplined lifestyle with early morning practices at the Garden City Arena followed by balanced meals of grilled chicken and veggies. He stayed fit through off-season trail runs around Short Hills Provincial Park. Weekends brought pickup games and mentoring youth players, hobbies that highlighted his generous, team-first spirit.
St. Catharines honors Brian with a memorial skate at the Jack Gatecliff Arena, where jerseys and sticks line the boards in tribute. His family appreciates community support during this time, channeling grief into a fund for junior hockey scholarships. The rinks fall silent in his memory, ensuring Duey’s enthusiasm inspires the next generation of players.