The Canadian Press
Salmaan Farooqui
TORONTO–Minor hockey players paid tribute to their fallen teammate in their first game since their star goalie was killed in an alleged triple homicide east of Toronto.
Fifteen-year-old Roy Pejcinovski, described as a promising hockey player, was found dead in his family’s home in Ajax, Ont. on Wednesday, alongside his mother, Krassimira Pejcinovski, and 13-year-old sister, Vanallia, who was badly injured and later died in hospital.
Police have charged 29-year-old Cory Fenn, who was in a relationship with the mother, with second-degree murder in the deaths.
Yesterday, Pejcinovski’s team, the Don Mills Flyers, played the Toronto Marlboros in a friendly game where both sides wore jerseys with an “R” emblazoned on the front to tribute the goalie.
The mood at the Toronto ice rink was sombre, with no cheers ringing out when either team scored a goal.
The scoreboard for the game remained at 7-4 throughout to represent Pejcinovski’s jersey number.
Greater Toronto Hockey League strength conditioning coach Phil Zullo said being able to play was like meditation for the teens, some of whom were close friends of Pejcinovski.
He commended the league’s decision to pay tribute to Pejcinovski and hold a moment of silence.
“I don’t know if the kids would have been able to play without this,” Zullo said.
“Nobody thought twice about it; it was an amazing idea.”
