FRANKLIN, Tenn. – The Nashville Hockey community has been mourning the loss of a member of the Junior Predators team.
Mitchell Mielnik, age 16, passed away suddenly Tuesday, shortly after being diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.
His former teammates and coaches remembered him fondly.
“Mitch’s smile stands out,” said Tyler Grosse, his friend and teammate. “He had a great laugh and he was a fun kid to hang around.”
“He was our most improved hockey player last year,” said Andrew Dorfman, coach of the Nashville Junior Predators team. “He’s a nice, articulate, smart young man who really had a love for the game.”
Mielnik was a defenseman for both the Hume Fogg and Junior Predators hockey teams.
Mielnik’s teammates said news of his sudden death was still sinking in.
“I think everyone is really struggling with this,” said Zachary Horton, his friend and teammate. “It’s good to know everybody thinks he is in a better place.”
Shortly after making this year’s Junior Predators team, Mielnik wasn’t feeling well and was taken to the hospital. After being diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, he passed away shortly after.
The sign outside Hume Fogg High School in Nashville now is a tribute to Mielnik, and General Manager of the Nashville Predators also addressed the tragedy during a press conference this week.
“Mitch had many friends in the hockey community,” said David Poile. “The Predators offer their sympathy to his family and friends.”
Mielnik’s funeral has been scheduled for Sunday, July 5 at 3 p.m. at Tulip Grove Baptist Church in Old Hickory. Visitation will be Friday, July 3 from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, July 4 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the same location.
A gofundme page was active to help the Mielnik family pay for medical expenses. To donate, click here.
