Hockey community loses ACHA goaltender at just 22 years old

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River Hawk
September 23, 2024 (8:48)

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The hockey community has suffered another tragic loss after it was announced that ACHA goaltender Henry "Hank" Bradford has passed away at just 22 years old.

The hockey community has been steadily growing for years. Yet, with so much more talent hitting the ice, there is always a chance of unexpected tragedy, as any NHL fan is aware of. Thus, it is with great sadness that we must share the tragic loss of another promising young hockey player. At just 22 years old, University of Oregon goaltender in the ACHA Henry "Hank" Bradford passed away unexpectedly.

"We regret to inform you that Henry 'Hank' Bradford - goaltender of the University of Oregon (ACHA) - has passed away 'unexpectedly' at the age of 22.

Bradford played 20 games with Oregon over the past three seasons, and previously played with the Utica Jr. Comets (USPHL Premier & NCDC)."

Henry Bradford, born in Arlington, Texas, played hockey since he was a young kid, but started playing competitively in the 14U AA League, playing 11 games with the HC Dallas 13U AAA team and posting a .839 save percentage. He then went on to play in high school before starting with the Utica Jr. Comets, part of the USPHL Premier and NCDC Leagues. During that time, he was excited to improve his game and hopefully make it into the AHL at some point down the line.

"This is my second year in Utica and I am looking forward to the competition on the East Coast and the many showcases we will be attending. As a Texas high school senior, I will be billeting again with a wonderful family in Vernon, NY, and fully expect to make the Honor Roll again this year.

My hockey plans are to play Tier II junior hockey again the following year. Even though I was thrilled to be the starting goalie last season, my SV% and GAA were not as good as I would like. However, facing an average of 57 shots per game gave me the opportunity to grow as a goalie, finishing the last quarter of the season with 91.6 SV%

I am looking forward to continual improvement and will be working with goalie coaches from area colleges and the AHL team as time permits."

Henry Bradford spent the last three years playing in the ACHA with the University of Oregon in Eugene, making an appearance in 20 games total. In his last season with the teams, he recorded a 4.15 goals-against-average and a .883 save percentage. After the announcement of his passing, Oregon Hockey honored him on their Instagram.

"We are heartbroken to share that our Senior goaltender, Henry 'Hank' Bradford unexpectedly passed away on Friday, September 20th 2024. Hank was an incredibly kind and thoughtful man with a contagious laugh and an amazing sense of humor. As great a goalie as he was, Hank was an even better human. He was the perfect example of treating people how you want to be treated, never missing an opportunity to call someone 'sir or ma'am.'

Hank, your mustache and last-second splits will go down in Oregon hockey history forever. We'll miss you #1.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Hank's family and friends.

Rest in peace, Hank💚💛1️⃣
We love you❤️🪽"

Though he never played in the AHL or NHL, Hank Bradford had a clear impact on those around him. Despite all the time he spent playing hockey, he and his family kept traveling and enjoying nature. As part of their memorialization of him, the Bradford family released their personal statement on a site that allows anyone to plant a tree for free in his honor. We hope you can join us in wishing the best for his family and fans through these difficult times.

"Henry David Bradford, affectionately known as Spanky, Hank, and King Henry, passed away on September 20, 2024, at the age of 22. Born on November 1, 2001, in Fort Worth, TX, he made a significant impact on those around him during his brief time on earth. Henry attended Treetops School International in Euless, Texas. Henry most recently resided in Eugene, OR, where he was attending the University of Oregon and proudly serving as a goalie for the Oregon Ducks, showcasing his dedication and talent in the sport he loved. Henry started his hockey career at the age of 5, he left home at 15 to play for the USPHL in New York. He developed lifelong friendships with each team he played on throughout the years. In addition to his love of the game of hockey, Henry loved hanging out with friends, fishing, listening to country music, and traveling the world some of his favorite destinations include British Columbia, Grand Cayman, Germany, Swiss Alps, Paris, countless national parks and the beaches of Normandy.

Henry is survived by his loving parents, Mike and Karin Bradford; his devoted brother, William Bradford, 'Goo'; and his grandmother, Sonja Burleson and grandparents, Harold and Dana Bradford, along with a great aunt and uncle, John and Sarah Erickson. The Jewell family, who provided him with support as a special Billet family, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, will forever hold his memory close to their hearts. Henry was proceeded in life by Charlie and Kathy Erickson, Jan Sanders Erickson and Richard Burleson.

Henry's sense of humor, kind heart and passion for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He would go out of his way to help the underserved population, coach kids at summer camp and teach kids at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, coaches and teammates."

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Did you watch Henry Bradford play for the University of Oregon in the ACHA?
Yes, may he rest in peace	6	6.2 %
No, may he rest in peace	91	93.8 %
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