The Carmel, Indiana community and the extended hockey family are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Xander Wittbrod-Rouse, a beloved member of the Carmel Ice Hounds hockey team who passed away unexpectedly.
Xander Wittbrod-Rouse obituary news
The tragic news has deeply shaken teammates, coaches, classmates, and all who knew this remarkable young man known for his kindness, sportsmanship, and passion for the game he loved.
Xander, who proudly wore #75 for the Ice Hounds, was more than just a talented hockey player—he was a teammate, a friend, and a role model to those around him. His sudden passing has left a void that words can barely express, but his memory will forever live on through the lives he touched both on and off the ice.
In a heartfelt statement, Coach Nick expressed the deep sorrow and disbelief felt by the entire team and coaching staff:
“This is difficult to write and I am still processing it all but I feel it’s necessary. Yesterday we lost a player, #75 Xander Wittbrod-Rouse. It’s every coach’s worst nightmare and it still doesn’t feel real. Xander was a wonderful, kind, respectful young man with the biggest heart and smile to match. Some would say a gentle giant. The best teammate one can ask for. The perfect player to coach. He brought so much joy to the rink every day.”
Over the past three years, Coach Nick had the privilege of watching Xander grow not only as a player but as a person. He described Xander as a hard-working, dedicated, and humble athlete, one whose determination and positivity lifted everyone around him. His love for hockey was infectious—he was always eager to learn, always willing to help a teammate, and always the first to celebrate others’ success.
“His work ethic was unmatched on the ice and his progress as a player really motivated me,” Coach Nick added. “I’m going to miss his questions after film as he really strived to be his best daily, and helping him understand the game was an honor. His teammates loved him and he loved being a Carmel Ice Hound. He really was the definition of who we are. Xander was the best of us.”
Xander’s teammates remember him for his unwavering positivity, his easy laugh, and his ability to make everyone feel welcome. He was the kind of person who made practices brighter and games more exciting simply by being there. Whether he was cheering from the bench or skating hard on the ice, he exemplified what it meant to be a true teammate.
Beyond the rink, Xander was known as a caring son, a loyal friend, and a respectful young man with a heart full of compassion. He had dreams, ambitions, and a future that promised great things—his loss is one that resonates deeply across the Carmel community.
As family, friends, and teammates grieve, tributes have poured in on social media, honoring Xander’s memory and celebrating his life. Vigils and gatherings are being organized to remember the young man whose smile could light up a room and whose spirit will forever inspire those he leaves behind.
