Frisco, TX – The Dallas Stars revealed on Thursday that prospect Scott Winkler passed away at the age of 23.
Though the club did not reveal the circumstances of his death, multiple reports state that Winkler was found dead of unknown causes in his parents' home in Asker, roughly 15 miles to the southwest of Oslo, on Wednesday night.
"The Dallas Stars are heartbroken to hear about Scott's passing," said Stars general manager Jim Nill in a statement. "Scott was a wonderful young man with great character and a bright future; we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends."
Winkler was a third-round selection of the Stars in 2008, but spent the past four years at Colorado College, during which he totaled 24 goals and 63 points in 120 games.
He was slated to begin his professional career with the Texas Stars in the American Hockey League next season.
"It is an unfathomable tragedy to see a talented young man pass at such an early age," said Ken Ralph, Colorado College's director of athletics. "This spring we have seen Scott put in a great deal of work to prepare himself for his professional career and the rest of his life. He had such a bright future ahead of him. I'd like to ask all Colorado College fans and supporters of college hockey everywhere to keep the Winkler family in your thoughts and prayers."
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