Nick Egan - R.I.P.
Philadelphia, PA - It is with a very heavy heart that the Philadelphia Revolution Organization has learned about the passing of Nick Egan, 21, earlier this week from an apparent heart attack. "It is a tragic loss of a great human being and a fantastic hockey player. Nick played more games in my summer program than anyone else. “ General Manager Chris Kanaly went on to say, “Nick embodied what it meant to be a class act and a true leader. I can only hope that my own son grows up to be half the man that Nick had become. My family and I will miss him dearly.”
Nick came to the Revolution after finishing his youth career with the Mercer Chiefs U16 National Team. There, he was known as a Defenseman with a powerful shot and presence that was both feared and respected. He played for Coach Dean Marusic in his last season in NJ and then made the jump to Junior Hockey with the Revolution. In Philly, Nick played the better part of three seasons, becoming the Head Captain of the Junior A Team in 2012. While in PA, Nick’s presence was felt both on and off the ice as he lead his team in both the locker room and the Bucks County Community.
Coach James Laux, “On the ice, Nick was a fierce, fearless competitor and leader. Off the ice, Nick was mature beyond his years, (He) Always had a smile on his face, and always handled himself with class. Nick personified the ideal player and person that the Revolution strives to develop.”
After his time in Philly, Nick went on to play for 2 seasons with the Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. It is no surprise that Nick was embraced by his teammates and well respected in that league too. It was in Canada that Nick began to catch the eyes of the Professional Scouts as his game continued to mature.
Long time teammate, goaltender, and friend Jake Purnell:
"Even though Nick was essentially a few weeks away from his life-long goal of signing his first professional hockey contract, Nick was viewed as a professional for years to all those who knew him. He was a professional hockey player. A professional mentor. A professional friend. A professional husband. And a professional son. He wore his heart on his sleeve and would take the shirt off his back for anyone in need. On and off the ice, Nick helped me personally become a better hockey player, but more importantly a better person. Nick’s influence will live on through me and the people who knew him far beyond our time. He watched my back for 7 years and I know he will continue to watch it from above until I see him again .He was a gentle giant--(of course unless you gave his goalie an extra whack) and the love he showed for his teammates, friends , and family is just something you just do not see often in today's world. He was a brother to me and we had a goalie- defenseman bond as well as a friendship that words can't describe. He did what he loved and was one of the best at it-- he protected. He protected his team, his friends, and his family better than anyone I knew. Even though Nick is gone, the positive impact he had on the lives of all those who knew him will live within us until we are long gone. He will be in my thoughts forever- my heart forever-- and most importantly my life forever. The game of hockey and the world itself is a little less bright without the presence of Nick Egan, but I speak on behalf of myself as well as everyone who knew him when I say that we are unbelievably grateful to have been graced with the presence, generosity, and smile that Nick brought to us during his time. In the words of the great Gordie Howe- "You find that you have peace of mind and can enjoy yourself, get more sleep, and rest when you know that it was 100% effort that you gave- win or lose" - Well Nick, you definitely won and may you rest easy my friend."
In the months leading up to his death, Nick continued to work out every day in pursuit of signing his first Pro Contract. It was a dream of his that would have been attained this fall. He was a young man who lived his dream. He lived it every day on the ice and in the locker rooms that he dressed in.
“All death reminds us that nothing is promised, only that life was worth it.” – Shannon Alder
