Clint Reif, the Chicago Blackhawks‘ assistant equipment manager, has died, the organization announced Sunday. The full statement can be read below:
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely loss of one of our own family members this morning, assistant equipment manager Clint Reif. Like all trainers and support staff within our organization, Clint was instrumental in helping our players and coaches prepare and compete both on and off the ice. Our sincerest sympathies go out to the Reif family.”
Reif has been with the Blackhawks for eight-plus seasons, including the past five-plus as assistant equipment manager. Head coach Joel Quenneville spoke to reporters briefly about the news before the team’s game against Toronto on Sunday night, and was noticeably emotional while discussing some truly devastating news.
I was never able to personally meet Reif, but his impact on others can be seen through the responses to Sunday’s news. From all of us at SCH and elsewhere, our thoughts go out to the Reif family and everyone with the Blackhawks.