Mack Motzko killed in car crash on Saturday night.

We have some terrible news to report.

According to Jess Myers of The Pioneer Press, 20 year old Mack Motzko was killed in a car crash on Saturday night when the vehicle he was traveling in struck several trees. According to police Mack was one of two passengers in the vehicle, the other a 24 year old that was in the front seat at the time of the crash was pronounced dead at the scene, and was initially listed in critical condition alongside the 51 year old driver. Unfortunately the young man succumbed to his injuries and died some time later in hospital.

As per the Pioneer Press, the press release noted that alcohol and speed are both believed to have played a factor in this horrific tragedy.

Mack is of course the son of current University of Minnesota Men's Hockey head coach  Bob Motzko so news of this tragedy has spread quickly through the hockey world and on Sunday morning the University of Minnesota Athletic Department released a brief statement offering their condolences and asking for privacy for the Motzko family.

"We are devastated for Bob, Shelley, their family and all involved," said Gophers athletic director Mark Coyle. "This is an unimaginable tragedy, and we will do everything we can to support those affected. We ask for privacy for the families, as they mourn the loss of loved ones."

In spite of the challenges created by the pandemic last season, Mack continued to develop his skills as a forward on the ice playing 14 games with the Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States Hockey League, putting up 2 points (both assists) over that stretch, as well as 25 games with the New Mexico Ice Wolves of the North America Hockey League where he put up 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points over that stretch.

Our condolences go out to the Motzko family, Mack's friends, loved ones and everyone in the hockey community impacted by this tragedy. It is also important to note that another young person has lost their life in this tragedy as well, and we extend our condolences to their loved ones also.