Carolyn & Butch just learned of Tyler’s passing. So sorry to hear. Our family sends prayers and deepest condolences to you and your family. Krista, Craig, Bradley and Dawson Temple.

To the Hogan family. My sincere condolences. I never did get the chance to get to know Tyler but from what I've read, he sounds like he was an amazing person. This makes sense as children often take after their parents and you are both such great people. You've both done so much for others during your time at Stars and I wish you peace and healing. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Darryl Benson

Dearest Carolyn, Butch and Breanne,

I have meant to send my condolences several times, but It has been hard to find a private moment alone to put these words together. I could not believe it when I heard of Tyler’s death. I remember exactly where I was – and where I was driving, I pulled over and wept! I apologize for my late acknowledgement as it being a month ago today since his passing, but I have sincerely been mourning his loss.

I cried for days and still tear up at the thought of his sweet soul no longer with us. His beautiful smile and how his eyes disappeared with his big grin! I can’t imagine how your hearts are – so broken, such a tragic end of a beautiful young man’s life.

I pulled out the Abe Yearbook and looked at his image and his words below “Fastest in the streets and in the sheets” totally him! My daughter a year older and my son a year younger than Tyler. They went to Briar Hill for elementary and knew a lot of the same kids through attending Abe, the Winter Club, and through Hockey.

I had the privilege to be his Nurse. All the staff would say, “I can take him,” when patients were being dispersed amongst nurses. – Having Tyler as your patient, you knew you would enjoy your time together. Hear stories or see photos of his fav BMW, or a bike. He may tell you a funny story or humbly look at himself and laugh at something ridiculous he saw that day or a milestone he did in therapy! Sharing Memes or TV shows, or latest news, it was always interesting and Fun! Tyler was such a fun-loving guy! His timing for sharing an inspiring thought or turning an embarrassing moment into laughter was a keen talent! Although I would rather he not be in hospital but outside enjoying his life, I looked forward to each and every time his call bell rang. We also shared crazy moments of, “What the… or holy! He also faced adversity like a champ, and we worked out difficult or unpredictable moments together and at times I called you Carolyn for your advice in crazy situations! Thanks for that! You are all such a beautiful family who endured such hardship in this past year!

Tyler had a positive attitude, took his injury like a superhero, and gave his all to improve his body to it’s most optimal function. He made me laugh every day. He had the longest blonde eyelashes and the best strawberry blonde curls that complemented his freckles! He took disappointment and chalked it up to – “ok, lets deal with it.” He taught me acceptance and gratitude with what life gives you. He had trying times and setbacks, but always faced it and had the attitude of, ok let’s move on. Like a Refs call – the call has been made, move on.”

Let me tell you I will miss this kid! I cry every time I think about him, maybe because I am a mom and I can’t imagine my life without my kids, beautiful souls that fill my cup on a daily basis. I am so so sorry for your loss and can’t imagine how difficult it is with Tyler gone. He told stories about all of you and loved you all so much! He loved and missed Cooper too! When I told him my son went to Abe he asked, ‘who is your son?’ I said Cooper Gau, he chuckled and said, “That’s my Dog’s name too!” I remember Tyler refereeing Cooper’s games. He was fair and honest and stood his ground for calls made – a true professional, with a wink in his eye.

My heart goes out to all of you and know that there are so many more who feel your pain and share in your grief. I hope I can meet him again someday. For now I know he is with Cooper, and he will forever be with me in spirit, a special place in my heart, he will forever tug my heart strings. Such a beautiful young man. So glad and fortunate to have met him and all of you. Long hugs sent your way.

To the Hogan family,

My sincere condolences to you all as you navigate this troubling time. I knew Tyler back in junior high and high school; we were classmates and friends. In junior high, his strong-minded attitude made a lasting impression on me. He was a bit of a rebel and always pushed. Pushed forward, pushed others to do better, and challenged me as an individual – especially in gym class! I will remember Tyler by his sharp wit and vivacious personality. As we progressed through Branton, we exchanged countless jokes and were able to be brutally honest with one another -something I did not get with most of my other classmates. I admired him for how we spoke his mind and lived according to his own rules. He was quite the character, and I knew he could handle just about anything. It is with deep sadness that I hear about his passing. My heart goes out to his family, pets, and friends who were touched by Hogie’s infectious personality. -Jaden, a classmate

Butch, Carolyn and Breanne; Deb and I are so sorry to hear this heart breaking news. Our thoughts are with you all.

Deb and JN

Butch, Carolyn and Breanne,

So sorry to hear this heart breaking news. Please know that your community of family and friends are lifting you up and available always to lean on as you process this huge loss and figure out how to best move forward.

Sincere condolences,

Gary Bergen

To the Hogan family, please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Tyler. He was an awesome young man who truly enjoyed hockey and especially refereeing. Many coaches were glad to have Tyler referee their game because they knew he and his linesmen would do an exceptional job each game. Tyler made McKnight Hockey proud to have him as part of our family as he will always be remembered.

May Tyler rest in peace with God. He left us way too early and will be missed.

The Zizakovic Family.

We are sending our deepest condolences to you with great sadness...Tyler was a great kid...always there for his teammates and willing to go the extra mile on the ice with his persistence and perseverance... you will be missed Tyler. RIP --- Go Mustangs!!!!

I share in your sadness remembering Tyler. Tyler had an infectious smile and he was always willing to help out specially in sports med while he attended William Aberhart. My heart goes out to your family.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Tyler when I took care of him on Unit 58 Neuro Rehab. Tyler was a very polite, witty, kind and amazing young man. Even in the face of adversity with his injury he was always tenacious and brave. He always greeted me with a smile and made me laugh and made my shifts much more enjoyable. I know he is up there playing hockey and entertaining all the other souls in his company. The world was a better place with Tyler in it and he will be deeply missed. RIP my friend Kyla

We will always remember Tyler as a fearless, persistent, confident, fun loving kid that we had the privilege of knowing. Watching him on the ice always stopped my heart stop and filled us all with excitement everytime he has his shift on the team.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Carolyn and Butch and family. We are so very sorry for your lose. The Castles ( Brad, Diane, Spencer and Adam)

I had the utmost honour in sharing a blessing of an opportunity to be on the same team as Tyler: the McKnight Mustang’s. The 2016 season holds a very special place to me - close to my heart, and Tyler was a huge part of that. The whole team was. I think many could agree, that season was magical. Hands down one of the most influential seasons to change my Life: As a goalie, as a teammate, but more importantly, as a person. The one thing that ALWAYS stuck out to me with Tyler, whether it be a game or a practice, was his smile. His eager smile of joy and happiness: It radiated pure love. Often times, I would come to rink nervous, uncertain and hyper-focused on the (sometimes) unnecessary stress with the game ahead - and it would be Tyler and his smile. His genuine look and affection and admiration towards all of our teammates, his unconditional love - that smile - helped erased those negative emotions, washed away and replaced with nothing but confidence and a feeling of comfort.

I owe a huge part of my joy within hockey towards all of the amazing coaches and teammates like, Tyler, in which I had the blessing to share with. I wish now I was able to express my gratitude more towards him - to all my teammates. I was always quite shy, but that is never an excuse to not tell someone how much they mean to you. I suppose it is never late however, as those who pass before us watch over us with the wings of providence. I use this now as an opportunity to thank Tyler and his family for everything they have done for me. For the McKnight Mustangs Midget 3 Hockey team of 2016. The countless memories from that season - and for changing my Life.

Tyler may be gone physically, but he will never be gone spiritually. When a loved one passes away, let your emotions out. If you need to cry, cry. If you need some time alone, take some time alone. Heck, if you need to smile because he was a light to your Life, then smile :) Not because he is gone, but because of everything he has done. I often believe, that if an individual can have a genuine intrinsic impact on the Life of just one other person, as Tyler has, with a consistent change towards good faith, that will have a ripple on the universe greater than the mind can imagine. Take the attributes of the loved ones who have fallen before us and let their message of Life, live on in this world forever and ever; By adopting something they stood for and passing that on to our neighbours of this world - in good faith and love in making this world a better place now, then when we were first here. Just as Tyler has. Take Tyler and his smile of joy and let it live on by passing that smile onto the neighbour next to you. This way, Tyler’s message of Life will live on, forever and ever.

Thank you, Tyler. You were a Gift from God, and sharing your Life with everyone around you with such grace and generosity has been a blessing. It is shame your Life has been taken so early, however, I like to think that is because God has a special mission for you up in heaven - I hope you look down upon your family and keep them safe, keep them warm and keep them motivated throughout Life, as this is not Truly goodbye, but rather, till we meet again.

Before I conclude this message, I would like to share this story with regards to Tyler’s mom, Carolyn. It was the last game we would ever play as a team. Huntington Hills, a beautiful spring day, and one last tournament to end the year. I had the honour to play net in our last game (thank you Daniel :). It was Truly an honour to end a beautiful season. I believe it was the third period, we were up 1 to 0. As the clock ticked and our anticipation grew, a sudden scramble for the puck - and before I knew it, my head was drowned with adrenaline and rush. No pain. Just reaction. I looked to my catcher and my eyes were confused with an uncertain glare: blood. It looked like dry blood? The mind in a world of time warp and delirium, it was as if I was in a song and dance of a dream. I do not remember ever experiencing any pain, just the sudden reflex to pull back. The coaches, my dad, everyone surrounded me. Coach Dave had grabbed onto the wound tightly and never let go - that is bravery. Thank you again, Dave.

I eventually came through in conscious recollection to realize a skate blade had caught my wrist. I was more scared with the thought of losing my hand than the pain. My uncertain fear grew and grew (I think my heart raced more so because of the thoughts of what could be, rather than losing blood). It was Tyler’s mom, who helped calm me down, with her kind smile and quick thinking (that smile must be genetic hehe). If I am not mistaken Tyler’s mom is a flight nurse. She has an admirable repertoire of knowledge at her side - and had instructed me to lay down in ‘dressing room #1’ (it was empty as the season was coming to an end). With my feet and skates up on the bench, goalies pads in the air and body rested on the ground - ‘till the paramedic’s arrived - she had asked me gentle questions that made me laugh, and was very calm about the whole situation. I suppose that comes with a soft motherly touch, such amazing knowledge, and an underlying love for the world. My gratitude for what she did that day still remains and will forever remain ‘till the test of time. To the whole team that day - that year. Thank YOU. I wanted to say my thanks to you again here, Carolyn, as this was just one of the many examples of your family being awesome and down to earth.

Thank you, Carolyn. Thank you, Tyler. And thank you, to the Hogan family. I think of that memory often and it always brings me a smile every-time. I am every thankful for you, the team, the parents, each and every player and coach, I had the opportunity to play with: for that day, that season and everything you did for me. It speaks volumes as an experience I can never forget. That year of hockey will remain a monumental pillar of my Life, and it is because of you all, for your love, your gentle hearts, your smiles, your care and unconditional selfless love ~ Agapé.

I could sit all night and speak with a smile from ear to ear, the countless memories manifested from that season. My words cannot express my emotions and gratitude towards everyone, the Hogan Family, and the McKnight Mustang’s Hockey team that quite literally changed my Life. Thank you.

My last memory I had with Tyler: he had refereed one of my Junior C games up in Springbank =) I was met with a pleasant surprise! I was sitting that game and he had skated up to greet himself with me. That was the last time we spoke, but most certainly not the last time I will remember him. Thank you for everything buddy.

Please stay strong, Hogan family, the world needs you more than you know. Please stay strong, for Tyler :) If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out. Even if it is to talk or to send a message, whichever way to express your emotions in this uncertain time of emotional distress - it is essential. Community is stronger when together. We are here for you.

And,

may God bless you all during this time of pain, with understanding and love.

Kind regards,

Jordan Johnson


Rest in Peace, Tyler ❤️

We will always remember Tyler for his kind heart and ear to ear smile. Katie enjoyed playing hockey with Tyler in McKnight and fondly remembers how kind and welcoming he was towards her. Our deepest sympathies go out to the Hogan family

Cheryl, Kirk, Katie Crowther