Coach remembers boy lost in Ahtahkakoop fire

The young player was good at battling for pucks and holding position in front of the net, Schatkoske said of Ahenakew’s hockey style.

“He was a bigger kid; he was kind of a stay at home defenceman. He was good in the corners,” he said.

“And he liked taking slap shots,” he added with a laugh.

For Schatkoske this is the first time he has experienced a loss like this and was saddened by the news. He said he’s had moments in the past few days thinking of him.

“You hate to lose anybody that young,” he said.

“I feel, you know, a sense of loss. I have three kids of my own, so I can’t imagine losing one, so it’s not a hockey story, it’s a human story.”

Schatkoske was informed of the passing of Ahenakew by another coach who is related to the boy. Since then the rest of the team has been informed, but have not come together yet.

The Atom II team has a game on Saturday and Schatkoske said they will address any concerns or questions from the kids then.

Earlier this week investigators were on scene of the fire trying to determine the cause. The RCMP has not released any information, but said right now it doesn’t seem suspicious.

Two men did manage to escape the blaze and were treated for smoke inhalation.

The family is asking for privacy at this time.

with files from James Bowler.

sstone@panow.com

On Twitter: @sarahstone84

by Sarah Stone

Coach remembers boy lost in Ahtahkakoop fire

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