Hockey community mourns the loss of Gold Coast player Dean Winner

The epitome of what a sportsperson should be, a loving father and husband and an honest man who was greatly respected by his peers. The Gold Coast hockey community has remembered one of their own who has died after battling cancer.

THE Gold Coast hockey community is mourning the loss of one of its players who has died from cancer.

Labrador division three men’s player Dean Winner died on April 7 at the age of 52 after battling with stomach cancer but not before marrying partner Nicole as his health declined recently.

Teammate and friend Nicholas Shawyer said the world was losing a great man.

“Dean was a tremendous bloke, the very epitome of a sportsperson on and off the field,” Shawyer said.

“My older brother, Matthew, and I had the absolute pleasure of playing with Dean in Labrador’s Gold Division 3 men for two seasons (2018-2019).

Hockey player Dean Winner.

“I am aware that he was a returning player to Labrador, playing a long time ago before moving up north for work.

“My family has coached and played with the team for over a decade, and until this year it was comprised of a core group of players that were like family, and Dean became part of that family very quickly. it feels like he was there for those years as well.

“As a player, he was a keystone member of our defensive line up. I played alongside him in the back line, and when he was next to me I always felt confident of our strength.

“He played as the sweeper, and he would call out plays to our team and control the field with ease and skill.

“He always kept a cool head and never made a fool of himself, being respectful of all players, coaches, and umpires.

“He only ever received one card that I am aware of, and it was even determined after the game and with a civil discussion with the umpire that it was unjustified.

“He was as honest as they came, you could always take him at face value.

“His criticism was always constructive, and he always held an optimistic view (even if we were getting flogged).

“In hindsight, for a man to be battling the health issues he had I have nothing but admiration for his outlook on the field, and on life.

“I always looked up to him, as did many of the other younger players in our team.

“He was real respected by the opposition, and clearly left a lasting impression with them. I saw many of our fellow hockey players from the other clubs leaving kind messages on his Facebook page after his passing.

“Off the field he was exactly the same, a terrific bloke who never beat around the bush; he told it to you straight and wasn’t afraid of letting his opinion known.

“He was always happy to stop and have a chat, and always found time to do so.

“I know that personally, we who played with him will be wearing black armbands on our first game back once the season resumes. Who knows when that will be.”

The Brisbane Hockey Association also took the time to remember the man who represented Queensland.

“Brisbane Hockey sends its thoughts and condolences to the friends, family and teammates of Dean Winner,” the statement read.

“Formerly of Coffs Harbour, Dean played for Bulimba Bulls Hockey Club and had planned to play for South West United Hockey Club in 2020.

“Dean represented Brisbane at Over-50 level and played in the Queensland Over 50 team which won the gold medal at the Australian Masters Championship in Bunbury last year.

“This turned out to be Dean’s last competitive game.

“Dean was an extremely keen player and his friendly, approachable manner meant he made many friends among the hockey fraternity in Brisbane.”