Former Gen remembered

Former Oshawa Generals defenceman Rick Fraser died at the age of 66 following a battle with cancer.

The Ontario Hockey League announced the passing of the Sarnia native with condolences to his family and friends.

Fraser was well-known in the hockey community as both a coach and referee. He played three seasons in Oshawa from 1971-74, patrolling the blue line for the Generals before being drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 10th round of the 1974 NHL Draft.

The Indianapolis Racers selected Fraser in the 17th round of the WHA Draft as he’d go on to play parts of four professional seasons between the NAHL and IHL.

The younger brother of long-time NHL referee Kerry Fraser, Rick planted roots in the Ontario Hockey League as the father of former hometown favourite Sarnia Sting defender Jamie Fraser who has spent the past 10 seasons playing in the Austrian Elite League, according to the OHL.

A Sarnia-Lambton Sports Hall of Fame inductee in 2019, Rick was a retired City of Sarnia firefighter who was often seen at the rink watching his grandchildren.