Remembering Braedon

Braedon Hyland was a great kid.

It’s really that simple.

He was always the first one to congratulate you on an accomplishment, he always was the one who gave kudos to you after you made a nice play on the ice, and he was always smiling.

I was lucky enough to get the chance to play hockey with Braedon as I worked my way through the and hockey systems. Braedon was always looking to help people improve on their game and was always looking for advice from people to improve himself, on and off the ice.

There are many reasons why people always wanted to be around Braedon, there is not one single one that stands out, he was a well-rounded great kid. The entire Woodbury community feels this impact as we have lost a fantastic young man today.

Braedon Hyland was also a fighter.

He worked his way to the top of East Ridge hockey and was prepared to lead the Raptors onto the ice as one of the only players at East Ridge to play all three years at the school.

Playing with Braedon last week in captain’s practices, he looked as sharp as ever and appeared to be having more fun that anyone on the ice. He worked hard in the offseason, running track and playing football to stay in shape and be the best that he could be.

Braedon also fought for his friendships. He was very loyal to his friends and always made sure that everyone was happy. These qualities are what led Braedon to fight his way out of the car on Monday after this horrible accident, and what led him to stay with us for three extra days after.

Braedon wanted to live and we all wanted to see how his life would have played out. At only 18 years old, everyone in the community knows that Braedon had a fantastic life ahead of him, it’s unfathomable that we will not get the chance to see how his life pans out.

Braedon will always and forever be missed by not just Woodbury, but all of those who have ever had the chance to get to know him.

He was very personable and always willing to talk and even crack a few jokes to put a smile on your face. There is so much that we will never forget about him and the radiant energy he brought each and every day to school, to hockey and everywhere else he went.

Please continue to keep the Hyland and Sowle families in your prayers and be sure to talk to your kids tonight and realize all of the gifts we’ve been given in life. Please also pray for Benjamin Lower and his family as they also go through this incredibly tragic event.

Braedon will keep fighting in heaven and continue to make people’s days with his spirit that will never leave us.