More than 60 hockey players gathered Sunday, Sept. 13, at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel to honor Noah Ellington. The 19-year-old former Clearwater Ice Storm defenseman died in a car crash in late August.

Turnout Forces Change From Game to Tournament

So many people signed up that organizers split what was planned as a single memorial game into a four-team, bracket-style tournament, Tampa Bay 28 reported. Former teammates, coaches, co-workers and family members took the ice at the same rink where Ellington first played as a kid. According to his mother, it was also where he played his last game.

Some players flew in from other states and other countries.

Teammates Traveled From Other Countries

Michael Gennello, one of Ellington's former Clearwater Ice Storm coaches, said players who had teamed with Ellington for only a few months traveled from other countries and states to participate. He called the turnout a sign of how tight-knit the hockey community is.

Gavin Miles, who played alongside Ellington on the Ice Storm about two years ago, called him one of the best defensemen he had ever met. One of Miles' favorite memories: a slap shot from the blue line that scored the winning goal, followed by the entire team bear-hugging Ellington on the ice.

Coaches Recall Ellington's Work Ethic

Gennello said Ellington's work ethic set him apart. The young player would arrive at 10 a.m. for practice even though his team did not skate until noon, using the extra time to help coach younger players.

Coworker Recalls Ellington's Daily Ritual

Alexa Zehall, who worked with Ellington behind the skate counter at AdventHealth Center Ice for three months, also played in the memorial game. She remembered his daily routine: two hot dogs from the concession stand every shift.

Cousin Reflects on Shared Firefighter Dream

Ellington's cousin and roommate, Ryland Goude, stood out at the rink in a bright orange suit. He and Ellington had always planned to wear matching suits together but never followed through.

"I figured if I don't know what I'm gonna do it for — this is it," Goude said.

The two had started emergency medical technician (EMT) school together in early August, working toward a shared dream of becoming firefighters. Goude's father is a firefighter. Ellington, a year older, had taken a gap year playing for the junior league Eels so the cousins could begin the program at the same time.

After Ellington's death, Goude got a tattoo on his ribs: a knife wrapped by an eel, with Ellington's birth and death dates. The eel represents the Eels. The knife-and-eel design mirrors the serpent-and-staff EMT logo.

"For the future that he was never able to have," Goude said.