A young Calgary hockey player is being remembered by family and friends as well as Western Canada’s hockey community.
25-year-old Kevin Boutilier went overboard while on a houseboating trip with friends on Shuswap Lake over the weekend.
He never came up after going into the water and is presumed drowned.
Witnesses say that he and some friends jumped into the water to retrieve a lost hat.
They saw Boutilier sink below the surface of the water, with his nearby friends unable to help bring him up.
Authorities say they’ve been unable to retrieve his body.
"I don't think people realize how quick it can change," says Sgt. Dave Dubnyk of the Sicamous RCMP. "Unfortunately, with it being such a big and deep lake, it can be very unforgiving and even for the strongest swimmers it can be a real challenge."
Boutilier’s older sister tells CTV News that Kevin lived and breathed hockey.
He played in the AJHL for the Calgary Canucks and Chilliwack Bruins, but more recently with the Airdrie Thunder and Horse Lake Chiefs.
A memorial service will be held on September 2.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to Kidsport Calgary.
