Victor Mete shares heartbreaking message before the holidays.

The country of Canada was rocked this week when news broke of a mass shooting that took place in Vaughan, Ontario and left 5 people dead and many more families devastated.

The crime was committed by 73 year old Francesco Villi who was shot and killed by police this past Sunday after going on his killing spree, a spree that has hit very close to home for one National Hockey League player in particular.

Following the horrific shooting, reports began to leak out suggesting that one of the victims of the shooter, 79 year old Vittorio Panza, was related to Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Victor Mete. We would later learn that Panza was in fact Mete's grandfather, dealing a terrible blow to Mete and his family right before the holidays.

In spite of the turmoil his family is no doubt experiencing as a result of these senseless killings, Mete showed great class when responding to the events this week and made sure to send his condolences out to all of the other victims of this senseless crime.

From Mete:

On behalf of my entire family, I would like to say thank you to everyone for their condolences, prayers, and support during this terrible time. Our hearts are also with the other victims and their families that are going through this unspeakable tragedy.
Thank you to all of the first responders for your brave response on Sunday and to YRP for your continued support. RIP Nonno ♥