On Friday, Sept. 29, members of the McLean hockey team gathered at the rock at McLean High School to pay tribute to Zachary Heuple, former teammate and graduate of the Class of 2015.  Heuple passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 26, in Spain, while studying abroad as a student at Miami University in Ohio.  Honoring his memory, friends and family came together to paint the rock and reflect on Heuple’s life and his impact on the McLean community.

Current team member Linus Stroik, who played with Heuple for two years but knew him for many more, was present at the memorial.

“Zach was one of the best teammates that I have ever had.  Zach was a great presence in our locker room, lightening the mood, always with a smile on his face.  On the ice, Zach stood up for his fellow teammates in all situations,” Linus shared fondly, adding with a smile, “racking up quite a few penalties in the process.”

Ryan Hanusik, a former member of the McLean hockey team who played with Heuple four years ago, recalled what he saw as he passed through McLean High School on Friday evening.

“When I saw everyone together painting the rock, I just noticed how many people were there to remember Zach, just from the hockey team alone.  There are so many people who loved Zach and want to honor his memory,” Hanusik said.

The impact Heuple left on his fellow teammates is a lasting one, but it wasn’t just these players who were recipients of Heuple’s positive influence.  Countless students, teachers, coaches, and parents were also affected by Heuple, and his presence is greatly missed.

Former McLean hockey coach John Sherlock reflected on his experience working with Heuple, sharing, “He was enthusiastic and relentlessly positive at practice and during games.  He wasn’t the best player on our team but he was what I call a ‘glue’ guy.  He kept everyone else together.  You can’t have a team without guys like Zach.”

Zachary Heuple’s memorial service will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7, in the Vienna Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m.