The Union College women's ice hockey team mourns the loss of friend and volunteer assistant coach George Morrison, who passed away on Wednesday afternoon. Morrison was 59 years old. The funeral will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Memorial Chapel on the Union College campus. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dutchwomen's ice hockey team in his name.

 

“It's a sad day for Union College and hockey at every level from the collegiate to professional ranks,” said Union College Director of Athletics Jim McLaughlin. “While George's time at Union was short, his impact on our department and in particular the women's hockey team was immeasurable. He was a first-class person who taught much more than the game of hockey to our student-athletes.”

 

“Losing George is one of the most devastating loses our team has had to face since I began this job,” said head coach Claudia Asano. “It is a loss that no one could have predicted which makes it more painful. His role on this team was far more than anyone can put into words. 

 

“He was everything to our team; a leader, a mentor, a teacher, a father figure and a coach. Every player and our staff loved George. I know our team will miss him tremendously, but his impact on our program will be felt for years to come. We play for him.” 

 

Morrison, who joined Union's team midway through the 2007-08 season, developed a brain tumor just prior to the 2008-09 season.

 

“His impact on my life has been, unquestionably, very motivating,” Asano said. “Not only has he helped grow our program, but he has helped me grow as a person and as a coach.  I am forever indebted to George and all that he gave. He has been and will continue to be my inspiration here at Union.”

 

Morrison played hockey at the University of Denver, scoring 70 goals in 64 games to be named to the NCAA West First All-Star team in both 1969 and 1970. He won a NCAA Championship in 1969 and was drafted by the National Hockey League. After singing a free agent contract, he produced 25 points in 73 games with the St. Louis Blues.

 

In 1972 he was drafted by the Minnesota Fighting Saints of the World Hockey Association and produced 40 goals and 38 assists in 73 games in 1973-74.