The hockey community is mourning the loss of a young boy who inspired a movement across southwestern Ontario. Harrison Yoshy from Kitchener, Ont. was known for his love of the game, fighting spirit and tenacity. Thousands of stickers featuring Harrison’s name, number and the Kitchener Rangers’ logo were printed off and displayed as far away as London, Windsor and Chatham in a show of solidarity with the young boy who was fighting a rare form of brain cancer. In March, the family announced Harrison had just wrapped up 30 days of radiation treatments and were waiting to see what his next steps would be. But on Wednesday, the nine-year-old died. He was just one week shy of his 10th birthday. “Harrison was an extremely passionate boy. Everything he did, he did full speed,” Kody Yoshy, Harrison’s father, said. “Anything that he put his mind to, he did it. He had the characteristics of everything you could hope for as a parent.” Harrison’s symptoms started around Christmas 2025 when he suddenly fell during a hockey practice with the Kitchener Jr. Rangers U10 AAA team. Later, disorientation settled in. A series of MRI and CT scans confirmed the boy had two brain tumours. “It’s unimaginable. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. But, for Harrison himself, it never got him down. He continued to be the light of our lives,” Kody said. Harrison’s journey inspired people throughout the hockey community. Some wore his stickers on their helmets. Others sent hockey cards and small tokens through the mail. Last year, the Kitchener Rangers invited Harrison and his family to do a ceremonial puck drop before a game against the London Knights. “The whole OHL Rangers and KW community is behind you, Harrison,” read a social media post from the team following that special moment. “Your strength, courage and love for the game inspire us. You are the definition of #BattleBuilt.” The team is now mourning the loss. “Harrison showed us what true strength, courage and resilience look like,” a statement from the Kitchener Rangers said, in part. “His spirit and determination served as a powerful reminder to our team of what truly matters, both on and off the ice.” The hurt is also being felt by members of the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association. “During this incredibly difficult time, our hockey community stands together in support of all those who loved him,” the association said in a statement sent to CTV News. “Forever our #14.” Reflecting on the loss of his son, Kody said Harrison never lost his optimism. “Everything that he was faced with, all the appointments and treatments, he just – he just persevered through it all. Never said a word about it. Just continued being himself. Harrison had cancer, but cancer never had him.” Harrison’s legacy lives on Harrison’s battle will continue to help other kids. The stickers that become synonymous with the boy’s ‘can-do’ spirit were printed at McPhails Cycle Shop in Uptown Waterloo. The owner is a close friend of the family. Sweaters honouring Harrison’s life are still available at the store, as well as online. Net proceeds from those sales are going to Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, where researchers are trying to learn more about the cancer Harrison was diagnosed with: diffuse midline glioma “We’ll do everything in our power to raise funds and bring awareness to keep his name alive. I know his friends and family, teammates, coaches and community – they’ve done so much. I know they’ll continue to do everything.” In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre through the SickKids Foundation website. Donations in honour of Harrison can be made by selecting “other” on the drop-down menu and entering “Brain Tumour Research Centre - Dr. Cynthia Hawkins lab.”
