An ice hockey player, Rob Trumbley, who played for teams including Storm, Newcastle, Ayr, Hull, and Edinburgh, passed away at 50.
Rob Trumbley played for the team during the 2001-2002 season in the BNL. In 32 games, he scored 13 goals, 26 assists, and 39 points while racking 105 penalty minutes.
Highlights
- Rob Trumbley is survived by his ex-wife, Sara Wheelwright, and three children, Eden and Esme Trumbley.
- His sister, Lisa, acknowledged that the pain, combined with CTE, PCS, mental health struggles, and everyday challenges, became too overwhelming for him to handle.
- Lisa recalled how Rob was proud to wear jerseys for many teams, including the Regina Pat Canadians, Moose Jaw Warriors, and many more.
Drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the 8th round of the 1991 NHL Draft, Trumbley played for multiple teams throughout his career.
He began his junior career with the Regina Pat Canadians in the AHL before moving on to the Moose Jaw Warriors in the WHL.
His career then took him to the UK, where he played in the British Ice Hockey Superleague (BISL) with teams such as the Newcastle Cobras, Ayr Scottish Eagles, and Manchester Storm.
He had stints with the Hull Thunder and Edinburgh Capitals in the BNL, further establishing his reputation as a hard-hitting player.
Family Mourns The Loss Of Ice Hockey Player Rob Trumbley
Lisa Degelman, Rob Trumbley’s sister, shared the heartbreaking news of his passing on January 13th, saying it was a loss no one could ever prepare for or wish upon anyone.
She expressed deep sadness but also comfort in knowing that Rob was no longer suffering and had found peace.
Rob was deeply loved by his family, including his nieces and nephews, and especially his three children, Dylan, Eden, and Esme, who he was incredibly proud of.
However, Lisa acknowledged that the pain, combined with CTE, PCS, mental health struggles, and everyday challenges, became too overwhelming for him to handle.
Lisa recalled how Rob was proud to wear jerseys for many teams, including the Regina Pat Canadians, Moose Jaw Warriors, Wheeling Nailers, Newcastle Jesters/Vipers, Edinburgh Capitals, and Manchester Storm, where he was a fan favorite.
Ian, a close friend of Rob Trumbley, shared his grief, saying it was with tears in his eyes that he wrote the message.
He expressed how heartbreaking it was to lose a solid friend of nearly 40 years.
Similarly, Rob Trumbley’s daughter, Eden Trumbley, shared how much she loved her father, describing him as a wonderful man and a fantastic dad.
He was one of her favorite people and always knew how to make her feel better, no matter what she was going through.
She expressed how deeply she already missed him and would do anything for one more hug. She ended by saying she would love him forever and hoped he would rest peacefully.
My dad was a great man and a great father. He was one of my favourite people, and he always knew how to cheer me up. Despite everything he went through, he never failed to make me feel seen, loved, and cared for. I miss him so much already, and I would give anything for one more hug. I love you forever, Dad rest easy.
Eden Trumbley
Further, Dylan Trumbley, Rob Trumbley’s son, an electrician assistant at Jet Electric, shared a photo with his dad and captioned, “Rest easy old dad.”
Rob is also survived by his ex-wife, Sara Wheelwright, a dedicated mother and entrepreneur known for her marketing expertise.
Sara is the CEO and founder of Trusted Marketing Services and trustedsaskatoon.com.
She studied at Longlands College in Middlesbrough and attended High Tunstall College of Science.
Originally from Hartlepool, she now resides in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with her second husband, Kim Krivoshein.
Additional Information
- Trumbley captained the Newcastle Vipers during his time in the BNL, contributing offensively and defensively and earning respect for his leadership.
- He played 20 seasons, building a reputation as a reliable and formidable player in every league he participated in.
- Trumbley was also a key figure in various tournaments, including the Autumn and Crossover Cup.
