More Than a Coach”: Barrett Misiwich, Beloved Leader of the Blues Hockey Team, Dies Unexpectedly
The local hockey community is reeling after the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Barrett Misiwich, Head Coach of the Blues, whose unexpected passing has left a deep void in the hearts of players, families, and fans alike.
Barrett wasn’t just a coach—he was a builder of character, a mentor, a motivator, and, above all, a fierce believer in the young men he led. Just two years ago, he took the helm of the Blues and transformed a team into a brotherhood, setting a standard of excellence, unity, and compassion that elevated everyone around him.
With Barrett behind the bench, the Blues didn’t just win games—they grew. On the ice, he was tactical, passionate, and sharp. Off the ice, he was a guiding presence who shaped boys into young men, instilling values of integrity, resilience, and respect that will outlast any season.
“There was no one like him,” said one player. “He believed in all of us—especially when we didn’t believe in ourselves.”
Barrett’s connection to the game ran deep, but his greater gift was how he connected to people. Parents trusted him. Players looked up to him. And everyone who knew him felt his genuine care. Whether through late-night calls after a tough loss or a quiet word of encouragement during practice, he made it known—he was in their corner.
“He gave his heart to this team,” said a fellow coach. “And in doing so, he gave these kids more than hockey skills—he gave them confidence, belonging, and purpose.”
In the days following his passing, tributes have poured in: photos of Barrett on the bench, messages of gratitude from former players, and locker room walls lined with his favorite sayings. Plans are underway for a tribute game and memorial ceremony where the team will hang his whistle and jersey behind the bench—his forever place.
Though devastated, the Blues vow to carry his legacy forward: to skate harder, play smarter, lift each other up, and never quit—because that’s what Coach Barrett taught them.
“Rest easy, Coach,” the team wrote in a statement. “You’ll always be with us in every shift, every game, and every cheer.”
Barrett Misiwich is survived by his family, his team, and the countless lives he touched through the sport he loved.
Gone far too soon—but never forgotten
