It was announced today that Brad Hornung had passed away on February 8th at the age of 52 after a short battle with cancer.
“This is a sad day for the hockey world, the WHL, the Regina Pats, and the Hornung family,” Pats vice-president of hockey operations, head coach, and general manager John Paddock said in a statement issued by the team. “Brad set an example that was passed on to him by his dad and family that we as Regina Pats look to emulate.
“As a promising young player, Brad was dealt a difficult hand that stopped his playing career but did not stop his life and all that he accomplished, which included earning a degree, becoming an NHL scout, remaining a faithful fan, and having his Number 8 retired.
“More importantly, he was encouraging and an inspiration to all who crossed paths with him. Brad lived his life to the fullest and was such a loyal man.
“Forever a Regina Pat; Rest in Peace, Brad.”
Almost 35 years ago, on March 1, 1987, at just 18 years of age, Hornung was checked into the boards in a game against the Moose Jaw Warriors resulting in a severe spinal cord injury and Hornung being a quadriplegic.
His number 8 will never be worn again by any Regina Pat player.
In 1988 the WHL introduced the Brad Hornung Trophy, awarded annually to the WHL player who best displays the same attributes as Brad – talent, desire, and an unmistakable sportsmanlike attitude. The league had previously presented an award for sportsmanship dating back to the league’s beginnings in 1966-67.
“Brad was not only a great friend to all of us at the WHL, but his positive outlook on life was an inspiration to everyone who knew him,” WHL commissioner Ron Robison said in a media release.
“Brad will always have a special place in our hearts, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
The Regina Pats are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Brad Hornung.
“This is a sad day for the hockey world. Brad was an inspiration to all who crossed paths with him. He lived his life to the fullest & was such a loyal man."
IN MEMORIAM: https://t.co/nHMcabRtZT pic.twitter.com/xRokbCPkEM
— Regina Pats (@WHLPats) February 9, 2022
"It's a tough time now. Brad Hornung passing at the age of 52. He's been a good friend for a long time" @rodpedersen
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former @WHLPats player, Brad Hornung. Keep Brad and his family in your thoughts and prayers ⬇️❤️ pic.twitter.com/AWDNWyNB4I
— The Rod Pedersen Show (@RodPedersenShow) February 9, 2022
Sending our deepest coldences and love to the Hornung family and to the Regina Pats organization. https://t.co/sFGjdEycMb
— Calgary Hitmen (@WHLHitmen) February 9, 2022
Brad was a incredible teammate, took me under his wing in my first year with the Pats, learned so many lessons from Brad that year and over time when we visited. Truly an inspiration for everyone that knew him. Brad left a legacy that will be remembered forever. God Bless https://t.co/9vQ48U7bwB
— Milan Dragicevic (@midragicevic) February 9, 2022
Sending our deepest condolences to Hornung family on Brad's passing. Brad was an inspiration to all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with @WHLPats and @TheWHL. https://t.co/Cyx3bX4e6A
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) February 9, 2022
The Raiders organization offer their condolences to Brad's family and friends, as well as to the Regina Pats organization. https://t.co/eIjKgcxLEQ
— Prince Albert Raiders (@PARaidersHockey) February 9, 2022
Sending love to Brad’s family, friends, teammates and the @WHLPats from Western Manitoba. ❤️ https://t.co/JGyHuQnWqA
— Brandon Wheat Kings (@bdnwheatkings) February 9, 2022
Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Pats and the family and friends of Brad Hornung https://t.co/BSF35yrUlu
— Winnipeg ICE (@WHLWpgICE) February 9, 2022
Deepest condolences. https://t.co/bfmsuoghTm
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 9, 2022
Aw geez. This one hurts. Such a brave soul. Thoughts are with the Hornung family https://t.co/s3rd6g8rcp
— Ed Willes (@willesonsports) February 9, 2022
Sending our deepest condolences to the Pats, and Brad's family 💛💙 https://t.co/ESk5oRVl3T
— Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) February 9, 2022
RIP to one of my mentors. He was a mentor for being a quadriplegic when I first got hurt in 2004, and then became a mentor for being a hockey scout later in life. Going to be missed! https://t.co/0VrBEiO6A3
— Justin Rayner (@Wheelzakajay) February 9, 2022
Sad news this morning. Condolences to the Hornung family. https://t.co/Cf64uqaQ3f
— Dustin Forbes (@dforbes91) February 9, 2022
Hockey Saskatchewan offers our sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Brad Hornung.
Brad will not be forgotten for his passion towards the game of hockey. https://t.co/0JnOZE66az
— Hockey Saskatchewan (@hockeysask) February 9, 2022
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Brad Hornung. His attitude and spirit were inspiring to people in the sports community and beyond.https://t.co/QSnu3unbS9
— SaskSports H of F (@SaskSportsHF) February 9, 2022
Brad Hornung was a wonderful person and someone who helped me understand what it meant to be a Pat when I first arrived in Regina. He is an Icon and an inspiration to all who knew him and the hockey community and our city are poorer without him. Rest easy Brad! pic.twitter.com/6Ygh5fRxNT
— Brent Parker (@BrentRParker) February 9, 2022
Such sad news about an amazing person, Brad Hornung. https://t.co/bm0KxcCeIR
— Rob Vanstone (@robvanstone) February 9, 2022
Our sincere condolences to Brad’s family and friends. To the people that knew Brad, his impact on so many lives will not be forgotten. He will be missed around the Brandt Centre. Rest In Peace #8.