The Canadian sports community is mourning the tragic death of Giovanni Michael “Mike” Robinson, a 32-year-old former Ontario Hockey League (OHL) player from Stouffville, Ontario, who was killed in a drive-by shooting while on a golf trip in Wisconsin.
The devastating incident occurred just after midnight on Wednesday, leaving Robinson’s family, friends, and former teammates in shock and heartbreak.
According to the Sheboygan Falls Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting around 12:08 a.m. local time. When they arrived at the scene near a local hotel, they found Robinson suffering from a gunshot wound.
Despite immediate life-saving efforts, he was tragically pronounced dead on the scene. Investigators believe he was walking back to his hotel after an evening out when he was struck by gunfire from a passing vehicle.
Police have confirmed that the shooter remains at large, and the motive for the attack is currently unknown. The suspect’s vehicle has been described only as a small, dark-colored SUV, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
“Officers are working diligently to gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the department said in a statement. “This investigation is a top priority, and we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.”
The tragedy is even more heartbreaking given the joyful context of Robinson’s final hours. He was in Wisconsin with friends for a golf trip and had just celebrated his first-ever hole-in-one earlier that day, sending photos of the accomplishment to his family back home in Canada.
Family members say Robinson was overjoyed with life — he had recently become a father for the first time in August and was excited about the future with his newborn child.
“This is a nightmare,” his sister-in-law Jess wrote in a heartbreaking Facebook post. “He was only 32, had just had his first baby, and got a hole-in-one that day. He was just walking back to his hotel. None of this makes sense.”
Robinson’s family is now traveling to Wisconsin to work with authorities and seek answers in the wake of this senseless act of violence. They describe him as a loving son, brother, husband, and new father — a man who was passionate about hockey, dedicated to his loved ones, and full of life.
Robinson’s background as a former OHL player earned him widespread respect in the Canadian hockey community. Known for his determination, sportsmanship, and leadership both on and off the ice, he remained active in the hockey world and cherished the lifelong friendships the sport brought him.
Global Affairs Canada has confirmed it is aware of the incident and is providing consular assistance to Robinson’s family. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones,” the department said in a statement.
