Remembering Rufenach: Center I.C.E. to Honor Fallen Prospect

July 3, 2012 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release

Bryan Rufenach's tragic death hit the hockey world hard. When news surfaced about his accidental death while traveling Europe, his teammates, friends and fans throughout the Red Wings organization offered help and support to his grieving family. The 23 year-old was selected by Detroit in 2007 and signed a contract last season with the Grand Rapids Griffins. Rufenach spent most of the season with Toledo of the ECHL where he notched 13 goals and 33 points in 54 games.

Prior to turning pro, the offensive defenseman spent four season with Clarkson University where he piled up 21 goals and 55 points over four seasons. Rufenach also attended the 2011 Detroit development camp in Traverse City, MI and also participated in the 2011 NHL prospects tournament and Red Wings training camp.

To honor the Lindsay, Ontario native's memory, organizers of the development camp in conjunction with the Detroit Red Wings, Grand Rapids Griffins, and Toledo Walleye have designated July 10th as Bryan Rufenach day. The days events will kick off at 4 pm with food, beverages, and entertainment outside Centre I.C.E. Arena. The puck will drop on an intrasquad scrimmage at 7 pm at Centre I.C.E. A brief ceremony to honor Bryan's memory will be held prior to the start of the scrimmage.

Tickets for the July 10th match-up will be available at the door for $5. A portion of all proceeds from ticket sales, merchandise and concessions will benefit the memorial fund set up to help fund the operation of the Bryan Rufenach Memorial Skills Camp. Additionally donation cans will be available throughout the arena for fans who would like to make direct contributions to the fund. For the complete schedule of development camp go to www.centreice.org, DRW Events in TC on Facebook and follow us on twitter @redwingscamps #drwdc

American Hockey League Stories from July 3, 2012

• Coyotes Statement Regarding Forward Brett Maclean - San Antonio Rampage
• Rochester Americans Sign Rankin, Schofield to AHL Contracts - Rochester Americans
• Defenseman Andrew Campbell Signs Two-Year Contract with the Kings - Manchester Monarchs
• Remembering Rufenach: Center I.C.E. to Honor Fallen Prospect - Grand Rapids Griffins
• Bears Sign Forward Mathieu Beaudoin - Hershey Bears
• Rangers Re-Sign Kris Newbury - Connecticut Whale
• Worcester Sharks Resign Forward Jimmy Bonneau - Worcester Sharks
• Senators Sign Forward Hugh Jessiman to a One-Year, Two-Way Contract - Binghamton Senators
• Anaheim Ducks Sign Former Admirals Defenseman Matt Smaby to One-Year Deal - Norfolk Admirals
• Kings 2012 Development Camp Opens on July 6 at TSC - Manchester Monarchs
• Phantoms and Flyers Sign Five - Adirondack Phantoms
• Summer Update from the Falcons - Springfield Falcons
• Four-Time AHL All-Star St. Pierre Signs with Rockford - Rockford IceHogs
• Sabres to Hold 2012 Development Camp at First Niagara Center - Rochester Americans

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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