NHLOA Mourns Ryan Salmons

The NHL Officials Association mourn the passing of Ryan Salmons, who lost a valiant battle with cancer on Friday, May 1. Ryan was a special friend of the NHLOA, NHL and Columbus Blue Jackets and a young man who touched the lives of everyone who knew him.

Ryan was able to meet with the NHL Game Officials, Mark Pare, Dan Schachte, Dan O'Halloran and Eric Furlatt prior to the Blue Jackets home game on November 23rd, vs. the Phoenix Coyotes. They are pictured above with Ryan and his Dad Brad.

Ryan's Dad, Brad Salmons posted a statement on www.TeamSalmons.com that reads:

"Over the past year, Ryan has fought with perseverance and grace. Many times when he could have been bitter and angry, Ryan carried himself with class and dignity. Ryan was the epitome of courage and strength."

"People live a various number of years. Some live to be a hundred, some in their 50s and 60s. I truly believe that only the good die young. My son Ryan was GREAT! Over the past year he has touch thousands of lives, many people he never met or knew. We would talk about making a difference and it is not the quantity of time but what you do with the time you have. Ryan could not understand why people's lives changed because of him. He just continued to fight his battle. I tried to help him understand it is not the fight, but how you are fighting the fight. He just told me that he may never understand why people admire him."

"Throughout the journey, Ryan continued to want to do for others. He became friends with younger patients and treated them like family. Even when the Blue Jackets signed him to a contract, he turned it into how he could help push the team to the playoffs. It was not about him. That was Ryan's spirit. That is who he was.

"I am proud to be his father, friend, and have been blessed by having him in my life. Ryan, I love you with all my heart and look forward to seeing you again one day in heaven."

There's no question the loss of Ryan Salmons will be felt not only by fans and friends of the Columbus Blue Jackets and NHL Officials Association, but throughout the NHL.

Ryan was a very special and courageous young man and our deepest sympathies go out to his father, Brad, step-mother Susan, and all his family and friends.