Family of 20-year-old NHL hopeful breaks silence on his sudden death, revealing tragic details

The hockey community is still trying to make sense of the tragic passing of a young Quebec NHL hopeful by the name of Christophe Babin, who died last week at just 20 years old.

Babin, who had only just begun his career in the Ligue nationale de hockey balle (LNHB), was playing his first season with Assurancia Venne et fille de Joliette before this heartbreaking news. He played his first game on July 18 against the Granby Preds.

The team confirmed his passing in an emotional statement, saying (translated from French):

“Our organization is mourning one of its members.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the far-too-early passing of Christophe Babin, one of our promising young players but, more importantly, a young man loved by everyone.

Babin, who had only just begun his career in the Ligue nationale de hockey balle (LNHB), was playing his first season with Assurancia Venne et fille de Joliette before this heartbreaking news. He played his first game on July 18 against the Granby Preds.

The team confirmed his passing in an emotional statement, saying (translated from French):

“Our organization is mourning one of its members.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the far-too-early passing of Christophe Babin, one of our promising young players but, more importantly, a young man loved by everyone.

Watch over us, Babs.”

His parents shared the details of his upcoming funeral to media outlets near his hometown, and confirmed how Christophe Babin took his own life, asking for donations for Association québécoise de prévention du suicide, an organization helping out Suicide Crisis in the province of Quebec, adding the message to anyone in need:

‘Never hesitate to call.

Call 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553).

It’s an emergency support number, and professionals are there to listen to you, without judgment, 24/7.

Talking can make a huge difference.

Your life is precious.”

According to his sister, who has posted an emotional post (in French) on Facebook, Babin took his own life, leaving friends, family, and teammates devastated.

Babin’s sister explained that Christopher was a young man who was loving, hardworking, funny, a real joker, and always smiling. However, he was also hiding a great deal of suffering.

Babin had previously played with Joliette Prédateurs in QJHL for two seasons, where he showed his potential in the last season with 34 points in 40 games and 30 points in 44 games in the previous campaign.

The news of his tragic passing is a reminder that life and mental health are more important than hockey.

Rest in peace, Christophe.

If ever you or someone you know needs help, here is the information of Suzz Sandalwood, Therapist. Writer. Hockey mom. Advocate for what’s left unsaid.