Junior A Hockey: Americans' goalie Vincent Marroni dies in Michigan at age 18

Great Falls Tribune

Vincent Marroni, a goalie with the Great Falls Americans NA3HL hockey club, died earlier this week in Michigan, just two months' shy of his 19th birthday.

Former Great Falls Americans goalie Vincent Marroni died Tuesday in Michigan at the age of 18, according to a press release from the local NA3HL hockey franchise.

The cause of Marroni's death has not been released. He was born Sept. 25, 2002, in Plymouth, Michigan.

A link to GoFundMe page in Marroni's honor has been established and can be found on the Americans' Facebook page.

The team's head coach, Greg Sears, issued the following statement on the Americans' Facebook page: "Our hockey family is heartbroken. Vinny was the ultimate team guy, and teammate. He had a smile that would light up the room and was just a fun person to be around. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. He was one of a kind and he will be missed. Fly High Vinny."

Marroni's family has also issued a statement on the Americans' Facebook page (edited for clarity):

"Come join us for a celebration of Vinnie's life open house Friday, July 23 at the Southgate Civic Center, 14700 Reaume Pkwy., Southgate, MI, from 4 p.m. on in the Banquet Room. This is completely informal, no dress clothes please, (it wasn't) Vinnie style. We will also have a sheet of ice at the Detroit Fighting Irish's team arena for any of his friends and teammates, present and past, from 6:30 until 8 p.m. if you want to skate an informal game. Bring your own gear, we will have food and drinks of some sort. Please bring pictures and stories, as I need to hear them all. We will also be figuring out a donation partnership for mental health services in lieu of flowers and gifts. Please pass this information on as I ... am not friends with all who loved him. Thank you."

Vincent Marroni's GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/vinnie-marroni-miracle-assist-foundation?utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR3ynKNIB17j_QqRRxDeF0i-LuMR97HY5Gd5WY3SBCpn1r-JdaWI9SBubLA

Lee Vernoy covers sports and much more for the Tribune. Email him at lvernoy@greatfallstribune.com or tribsports@greatfallstribune.com, and follow him on Twitter @GFTrib_LVernoy.