WASHINGTON, D.C. — The spirit of Clint Reif is alive and well at the Winter Classic.
The Chicago Blackhawks’ 34-year-old assistant equipment manager, who died unexpectedly on Dec. 21, is being honoured at the New Year’s Day outdoor game.
The Blackhawks have arranged for an empty stall to honour Reif. Equipment assistant Jim Heintzelman tweeted photos of the locker, which has been set up in the visitors’ clubhouse at Nationals Park:
The Blackhawks have been playing with “CR” decals on their helmets to honour Reif, and head coach Joel Quenneville has been wearing a jacket bearing Reif’s initials.
Reif’s toxicology results are expected Monday.
Fans who wish to donate to the Clint Reif Memorial Trust Fund to help Reif’s wife, Kelly, and their four children can do so here.
