BYU Hockey's Tragedy: Jaxon Logan's death leaves legacy still felt 10 years later

Hanging in the rafters of Peaks Ice Arena is a banner. It hangs in honor of Jaxon Logan. His number, 11, is forever retired.

January 21, 2005, late in the 2nd period, the Provo Icecats were on a roll with a six goal lead on the University of Northern Colorado. A slap shot was taken from the blue line by a Northern Colorado defensivemen while on the power play. Showing full effort and commitment to his team, freshman Jaxon Logan from Palmer, Alaska dove his body in the path of shot. The shot hit him in the chest and the puck bounced onto the stick of Brett Fuller, who connected with Jeremy Weiss for a short handed BYU goal. The crowd of 1,500 erupted in cheers. Logan was credited with an assist.

Meanwhile, Ryan Newton told Nathan Hymas that something was wrong with Jaxon. Newton and Hymas helped Logan skate off the ice. When Jaxon reached the Icecats bench he collapsed, and right then his friends, roommates, and teammates knew it was his time.

"When he went down, I saw his eyes roll back in his head and I knew that he wasn't going to make it. At first it was hard and I was freaking out, but I immediately just felt peace, and as I put everything together, everything just made sense. Jaxon was one of those people who was too good to live in the world we live in today. He deserved to go home and serve the Lord in other places. I couldn't leave his side. I knew this was it and I just wanted to watch him go to the Lord and let him know I support him in everything he does." - Nathan Hymas in January 25, 2005, Daily Universe

The puck had injured his heart causing a rare injury called commotio cordis, where a blow to the chest causes a heart arrhythmia, then cardiac arrest, and usually death.

Nathan Hymas named his first child Jaxon in honor of his fallen friend. Jaxon's uncle Cam will be playing in Friday night's game where BYU Hockey has planned a 10-years-later tribute to Jaxon Logan before the puck drops.

In the same BYU bench, Ryan Newton will be working as an assistant coach. This week at practice, Coach Newton has taken the time to explain to the players what happened, the emotions around the evening, and the kind of person Jaxon was.

Head Coach Ed Gantt explained to Vanquish The Foe why they took time to tell the team about Logan, "Its going to be a special night. We want everybody to come understanding that when we say that the people who played before, who wore that jersey before you gave their blood, sweat, and tears for the team. We are quite literal about it. Jaxon Logan gave his life."

While other players don't have direct ties to Jaxon, the influence is felt all the same.

"[Jaxon's] legacy affect this team a great deal. Personally, I didn't know Jaxon, but some of the seniors when I was a freshman played with him. They told me his story and what happened," explained BYU hockey captain Chris Tuttle. "When I skate out onto the rink, I notice his banner in the rafters and it motivates me. I had a friend who had a similar experience in high school. I know what it is like to play for someone."

During a practice in high school, Tuttle's best friend and teammate Adam Litteken collapse on ice during a warmup for practice. Shortly thereafter Adam passed away from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic disease that causes the heart to thicken abnormally. Litteken's number was #6. Tuttle wears #6 in tribute.

"As a freshman at BYU, we were playing a game against one of our rivals and it happened to be on TV. Adam's family was able to watch the game. In that game, I scored the 6th goal." Tuttle emotionally recalled, "I know that Adam was there with me. I've felt blessed that the Lord provided that tender mercy to his family."

"Following a tragedy, especially when it is someone that you are close with, a lot of blessings comes after. I've learned this. So did Jaxon's teammates from what they have told me. No doubt, I believe that Jaxon was here with the team and I hope that he is still here with us and helping us out." Tuttle concluded, "I try to bring honor to them by playing my best."

Before Friday's game against Montana State, there are plans to remember and honor Jaxon Logan. If you are curious to learn more about Jaxon's life you are welcome to visit RockOnJaxon.com.