Prince George, B.C. – A major loss to the Prince George hockey community as former player and coach Dale Marquette passed away over the weekend.

Following a successful junior career which included a 50 goal, 100 point season in Brandon, he was drafted in the 10th round of the 1987 NHL draft by the Chicago Blackhawks.

Photo courtesy the Marquette family

Following that he coached two seasons with the Prince George Spruce Kings (1993-1995), later with the Prince George Cougars (1995-1996), and finally with the Quesnel Millionaires (2000-2001).

During his tenure with the Spruce Kings he helped the team raise two RMJHL Divisional Championship banners.

Current Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes was both shocked and saddened by Marquette’s passing.

“It’s absolutely shocking. He was way too young for something like this to happen.”

But he adds he was lucky enough to get to know Marquette over the years.

“He was a very good player coming through the Prince George minor hockey system and into the junior ranks. I was lucky enough to play with Dale a little bit in minor hockey and against him in junior,” Hawes says.

“He translated his great playing career into a great coaching career. He was a great motivator, a great guy, and a great hockey person.”

He was just 47 years old.