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The New Zealand ice hockey community is mourning the death of one of its favourite sons.
Dale Harrop (33) died after a surfing incident at a popular Auckland beach on Saturday.
Emergency services were called to Muriwai, on Auckland’s west coast, after Harrop got into difficulty. He was brought to the beach but was unable to be revived.
Harrop started his career with the Canterbury Red Devils before joining the West Auckland Admirals, for whom he was still playing this season as a nuggety forward.
He represented New Zealand at under-18 and under-20 levels before becoming an integral member of the Ice Blacks and representing the national team at 10 world championships.
The New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation yesterday recalled Harrop as "one of our greatest" and said he would be missed.
"As someone who embodied all it meant to be a great Ice Black, he leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, kindness and determination," the federation posted on social media.
"A formidable force on and off the ice for the West Auckland Admirals, Dale will be sorely, whole-heartedly missed by his fellow team-mates — both from Auckland and anyone around New Zealand who has been lucky enough to play with this charismatic athlete."
The Dunedin Thunder, containing several players who were in the Ice Blacks with Harrop, also posted a tribute.
"Dale, you will be missed. Rest easy, friend.
"Our thoughts are with Dale's family and friends, with the West Auckland Admirals and larger New Zealand hockey community."
Harrop was a "shining light", the Southern Stampede wrote online.
"A fierce competitor, kind and charismatic, Dale will leave behind a legacy."