Sault native killed in car crash, 'Michael Doan was a smart, talented and kind person'

Michael Doan is pictured here playing for the Evansville Thunderbolts during the past hockey season. (Twitter/@EVVProBolts)

A 25-year-old Sault Ste. Marie man was killed in a single vehicle accident this past weekend.

Michael Doan died after suffering injuries in a Saturday morning crash on Highway 14 in Minnesota.

The Minnesota State Patrol said a 2013 Nissan Altima, driven by Doan, travelled into a ditch and hit a utility pole.

Doan is well known in local hockey circles. The former goalie played for the Soo Thunderbirds, before leaving town to play for Northern Michigan University and the University of Windsor.

"The Lancer family is devastated over the loss of Michael," said Kevin Hamlin, University of Windsor men's hockey head coach. "He was a fierce competitor and a great teammate who will be missed by all. Our hearts are with his family and all who knew him during this time."

“On behalf of the entire Soo Thunderbirds organization, our thoughts and prayers are with Michael’s family and his friends,” reads a statement from the Thunderbirds.

This past season, Doan appeared in 16 games for the Evansville Thunderbolts of the Southern Professional Hockey League.

Tributes poured in on social media, following the news of Doan's passing.

“Stunned to hear about the death of former Windsor Lancers goalie Michael Doan. Gone way too soon. Condolences to his family and friends,” posted Anks Kumar, on Twitter.

"Michael Doan was a smart, talented and kind person. You will be missed," posted Paige Hagan, on Twitter.

"Deepest condolences to the Michael Doan family/friends/team-mates. Another very tragic loss to the goalie fraternity. Wonderful young man," posted Bo Murray, on Twitter.

A Go Fund Me page, called the ‘Michael Doan Jr. Memorial Fund’, has been created.

“I am setting up this GoFundMe page in order to assist Michael's family with the expenses no family should ever have to worry about or stress over. Please, if you are able to contribute anything at all, it would be greatly appreciated,” reads the page.

“Michael Doan Jr. will forever be remembered fondly for his infectious laugh, his kind heart, and for always leaving a smile on your face whenever you crossed his path. He will live on in the hearts and minds of all those who had the very lucky fortune of getting to know him. Memories will last a lifetime, and each and every person who knew Michael, I'm sure, has countless happy memories to think back on.”

In just 21 hours, $16,595 was raised.

To visit the page, click here.