ALS advocate and former hockey player Dean Stock dies at age 39
Brother of P.J. Stock worked to raise funds, awareness about neurodegenerative disease
Former hockey player and Montreal native Dean Stock has died at age 39 from ALS.
The father of three was diagnosed with neurodegenerative disease ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in December 2014.
Following his diagnosis, Stock and his family joined forces with the ALS Society of Quebec to help raise money for research and to support other families living with the disease.
"Dean's fight against his most fierce opponent, ALS, was highlighted by strength, dignity and a determination to help make a difference by creating 'Team Stock,'" wrote the ALS society on Facebook.
We would like to extend our warmest sympathies to Dean Stock’s family and friends. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShutoutALS?src=hash">#ShutoutALS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamStock?src=hash">#TeamStock</a> <a href="https://t.co/sfoAnrkyPE">https://t.co/sfoAnrkyPE</a>
—@SLA_ALS_QuebecThe Montrealer first hit the ice in the Dollard-des-Ormeaux neighbourhood alongside brother P.J. Stock, a former hockey player and sports broadcaster who worked for Hockey Night in Canada on CBC television and later Sportsnet.
They both moved on to play for the Victoriaville Tigres as part of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Stock also played for St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia and served as captain for the Halifax Mooseheads.
Sportsnet's Coach's Corner paid tribute to Stock on Saturday evening during the World Cup of Hockey, with both Don Cherry and Ron MacLean offering their condolences to the family.
"I know P.J. is heartbroken, as all of the family is," Cherry said.
Saddened to hear of the passing of Dean Stock-former Mooseheads fan favorite.Our Club's thoughts & prayers are with the Stock family <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alumni?src=hash">#Alumni</a>
—@HFXMooseheadsStock is survived by his wife, Paula, and their three children.