Young North Bay hockey player passes away after health battle that garnered support from NHL stars

Noah Dugas, a 13-year-old defenceman who played for the North Bay Trappers major peewee AAA team, is battling some serious health issues, and the hockey world is showing its support for the young man. (Supplied)

Sudbury — Noah Dugas, a 13-year-old hockey player whose battle with a brain clot caught the attention of NHL and other stars, has died, CTV News has learned.

Noah was defenceman who played for the North Bay Trappers major peewee AAA team. After he felt unwell during a game in March, he was sent to hospital in Ottawa, and then to Toronto's Sick Kids, where he began losing mobility in his arms and legs. Doctors believe he had a blood clot in his brain which led to a stroke.

In September, Noah’s cousin, Megan, put out a plea for support on Twitter, which went viral. NHL players, teams, fans, hockey personalities as well as Olympic athletes responded.

Stars such as Connor McDavid, Mitch Marner and Zach Hyman tweeted support. Country star Cory Marks, who hails from North Bay, tweeted about Dugas on Friday.

"The hockey world mourns the loss of a great young, tough and talented player today," Marks said. "Heaven's team just gained an all-star. My sincere condolences to the Dugas family during these difficult times and to all of Noah’s teammates over the years. Rest In Peace #71."

North Bay Mayor Al McDonald tweeted a picture of Noah on Friday and the North Bay Battalion tweeted their condolences.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dugas family."

"The Powassan Voodoos are extremely saddened to learn about the passing of Noah Dugas," the team tweeted Friday. "Our thoughts are with the Dugas family during this difficult time."