Terry Trafford's body found in Michigan

The body of missing minor league hockey player Terry Trafford was found in his pickup truck this afternoon in Michigan, according to state police. 

His green GMC Sierra was located by officers in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart in Saginaw Township, about 140 kilometres northwest of Detroit, where for several seasons Trafford played for the local OHL team, the Saginaw Spirit. 

A body found inside was later identified as Trafford. Police did not say how he died. A joint investigation is underway. 

The 20-year-old Toronto native went missing earlier this month. 

"Our deepest condolences are with Terry’s family and his friends both in Ontario and Michigan," the team said in a statement on its website. 

Trafford was last seen about 9:30 a.m. on March 3 at the Dow Event Centre, the home arena for the Saginaw Spirit. He was reported missing by his host family on March 9. 

Team president Craig Goslin said Trafford was sent home prior to his disappearance "for a violation of rules," but that Trafford, who played centre, wasn't permanently cut from the team.

League cancels game

At one point in the search, police said they believed Trafford might have left the state to return to his hometown of Toronto.

OHL commissioner David Branch issued a statement expressing condolences to Trafford's family and friends, saying it's "a tragic situation for all involved."

He thanked police for their efforts, and said the league will co-operate with any investigations into Trafford's death.

The league said Wednesday's game between the Spirit and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds has been postponed, and will be rescheduled at a later date.