Nick Laprise's number was retired in a ceremony a month after his untimely death. May 18, 2018. (Photo courtesy of James Rankin)Nick Laprise's number was retired in a ceremony a month after his untimely death. May 18, 2018. (Photo courtesy of James Rankin)
Chatham

Deceased Player Has Number Retired in Ceremony

There were few dry eyes at Grand Pointe Park Thursday night, as a ceremony was held to retire a recently deceased player's number.

Nick Laprise, 24, was found dead in a Wallaceburg home last month. There is currently a murder investigation into his death and Kourtny Audette, 25, has been charged with first-degree murder, but allegations have not yet been proven in court.

Laprise was a member of the Rod and Gunners team in the Dover Two-pitch league. James Rankin is the convener and talked about how much retiring Laprise's number 55 meant to his family, team and the league itself.

"His dad and brothers were there and they were sad, yet very happy we did it," Rankin said. "They appreciated all the effort we put into making that sign and putting it out there. There were some long faces of course, but again, it was just our way of reaching out and letting the family know that we are always going to keep him in our memory forever."

Rankin said there are currently two other players with 55 in the league and they won't be forced to change this year. He added they will be the last players allowed to wear the number though.

On top of retiring Laprise's number, Rankin said there will be a trophy named in his honour.

"We have a trophy that needs to be repurposed so we are going to make the Nick Larpise Trophy for Most Sportsmanlike Conduct for our league and hopefully give it out at our tournament day," says Rankin.

Rankin said he didn't know Laprise on a real personal level, but had tailgate beers with him after games a few times and thought he was a great person. Rankin added he is still coming to terms with how something so tragic could happen so close to home.

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