PHOTOS: Celebrating the life of Dave Rue

More than 1,000 people showed up at Patterson Ice Center Wednesday to celebrate the life of Dave Rue. The beloved referee, coach, parent and Western Michigan hockey alum, who passed away Saturday after battling lung cancer, was honored by various high school teams, coaches, Broncos staff members, referees from across the state and his friends and family with an on-ice gathering. Rue’s son gave his Lowell McCoy Award – presented annually to an exceptional referee by the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association – one last skate around the ice at Patterson, as well – video of the emotional moment can be seen below. (Photos by Amanda O’Toole/MiHockey)

Video from WZZM’s Nick LaFave: