Hockey world mourns tragic passing of a 22-year-old defenseman

The young blueliner from Aberdeen, Scotland, tragically lost his life in a single-car accident earlier this week. The entire campus is in a state of shock.

Burden crossed the Atlantic to pursue his passion for the sport. Leaving home requires massive sacrifice, and he embraced the challenge of North American hockey.

He was currently skating in his second season with the Niagara University ACHA Division II program. The transition game is demanding at this level, but he adapted well.

Through 17 games this year, the defender was logging heavy minutes and becoming a reliable presence on the blue line. He was a core piece of the defensive structure.

He produced 5 points during those 17 appearances, showcasing his ability to read the ice and jump into the rush when the opportunity presented itself.

His stat line featured 1 goal and 4 assists, highlighting his crisp passing and strong vision from the back end. He was actively contributing to the team's offensive output.

ACHA hockey programs are incredibly tight-knit families. These student-athletes share late-night practices, grueling weekend road trips, and an unbreakable bond forged in the locker room.

Losing a teammate at just 22 years old leaves a void that simply can't be filled. The emotional toll on the Niagara roster will be immense moving forward.

Back in his hometown of Aberdeen, the local hockey community is also grieving. It's rare for a Scottish prospect to make the jump to the American collegiate system.

His journey served as an inspiration for younger players back home in the UK. He proved that hard work could open doors across the globe.

The team will undoubtedly honor his memory as they navigate the remainder of their schedule. Every puck drop from here on out carries a different weight.

Hockey is just a game, but the connections it creates last a lifetime. Burden gave his all for the crest on his chest during his short time with the program.

The Niagara hockey family will lean on each other heavily in the coming days. Navigating this type of heartbreak requires absolute unity from the coaching staff down to the players.

Our thoughts remain with his family in Scotland, his friends, and all of his Niagara University teammates. The sport has lost a truly dedicated young man way too soon.