After the news late Thursday night that former Pittsburgh Penguins minor-league player and coach Dave Gove had been found dead at the age of 38, the hockey community has responded.
“The Pittsburgh Penguins organization is saddened by the passing of Dave Gove,” Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said in a press release. “Dave touched many lives in the hockey world as both a player and coach. We express our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”
“We are shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Coach Gove,” said Brian Komorowski, Nailers alternate governor. “David was a bright, caring person that was admired. His positive contributions to the Nailer organization made the team and staff better. We extend our deepest sympathy to Katie, his young son Cullen, and the rest of his family and friends.”
Gove played for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for two seasons and was a team captain at the end of his long professional career that saw him play two NHL games with the Carolina Hurricanes. He was a coach for the Wheeling Nailers for once season.
Saddened to hear about the passing of my former coach, Dave Gove. He was one heck of a coach and an even better person. Rest easy, Gover.
— Brett Stern (@B_Stern27) April 7, 2017
Extremely saddened to hear about Dave Gove. He was one of those people I was enjoyed being with. He will be missed. RIP Gover
— Adam Krause (@AdamKrause26) April 7, 2017
RIP to Dave Gove, I'll always remember and appreciate the time, effort and care you put into helping my career.. rest easy brother
— Sahir Gill (@SahirGill28) April 7, 2017
Truly sad that we've lost David and really sad he couldn't win his battle against addiction. #RIP https://t.co/GhqGg85I5v
— Jamie Rivers (@JamieRivers08) April 7, 2017
Buffalo HC Dan Bylsma coached Gove in WBS:"Dave was a leader and student of the game. I believed that would translate for him into coaching"
— Tom Venesky (@TomVenesky) April 7, 2017
Dave Gove was just a really solid guy. Carved out a career for himself after going undrafted. RIP.
— PATRICK WILLIAMS (@pwilliamsNHL) April 7, 2017
Gove’s caused of death is believed to be a heroin overdose. A memorial fund has been established for Gove’s young son, Cullen Gove.
https://www.gofundme.com/david-gove-memorial-fund?rcid=9a83164d3de140a68d741bac457a37b4
