ANCASTER, ON - The Redeemer Royals family is deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of men's hockey student-athlete Dawson Abrahams, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, July 20, 2026.

There are moments in sport when wins and losses simply no longer matter. This is one of those moments.

Dawson was much more than an outstanding hockey player. He was a cherished teammate, a respected leader, a loyal friend, and a young man whose life reflected humility, kindness, and an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. His sudden passing has left an immeasurable void within our hockey program and throughout the Redeemer University community.

In his first season with the Royals, Dawson quickly established himself as one of the premier players in the program. Appearing in 21 games during the 2025–26 season, he recorded 11 goals and 31 points, earning Redeemer Royals Men's Hockey Rookie of the Year honours. His talent on the ice was evident every time he stepped onto it, but those who knew him best will remember him far more for the person he was than the statistics he accumulated.

Dawson possessed a servant's heart. He cared deeply for his teammates, encouraged others before himself, and carried himself with quiet confidence and genuine humility. Whether it was in the dressing room, on campus, or around the community, Dawson made people feel seen, valued, and welcomed. His positive attitude, contagious smile, and authentic love for others left a lasting impression on everyone privileged to know him.

Most importantly, Dawson was a follower of Jesus Christ. His faith shaped how he lived, how he loved others, and how he competed. He understood that athletics provided an opportunity to glorify God, serve those around him, and invest in meaningful relationships. Dawson openly shared the story of God's work in his life, led team devotions, and regularly gathered teammates and even opposing teams together in prayer following games. He lived his faith with authenticity, pointing others toward Christ through both his words and his actions.

While our hearts are broken, we grieve with hope, knowing that Dawson is now in the presence of his Lord and Saviour. As Scripture reminds us:

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8

Since the news of Dawson's passing, the Royals community has witnessed an overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, and support from teammates, alumni, opposing teams, coaches, and friends across the sporting world. Those tributes are a testament to the remarkable impact Dawson made in such a short time. He lived with purpose, loved deeply, and left every place better because he was there.

"There are no words that can fully express the sorrow our community is experiencing," said James Kryger, Director of Athletics at Redeemer University. "Dawson exemplified everything we hope our student-athletes become. He pursued excellence with humility, loved his teammates well, and consistently reflected Christ in the way he lived. He understood that being a Royal was about representing something greater than himself—serving others, competing with integrity, and using his gifts to glorify God.

Dawson's impact on our hockey program and our university cannot be measured by goals or points alone. His compassion, servant's heart, unwavering faith, and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. While our hearts are broken by his passing, we grieve differently because of the hope we have in Jesus Christ. We rejoice in the assurance that Dawson is now in the presence of his Lord and Saviour, whom he faithfully loved and followed.

We ask the entire Redeemer community to continue praying for Dawson's family, his teammates, our coaches, and everyone who has been touched by his life. Although his time with us was far too short, his legacy of faith, humility, and Christ-like leadership will continue to shape our Athletics community for years to come."

Over the coming months, the Redeemer Royals Hockey program and Athletics Department will honour Dawson's life and legacy in meaningful ways. While details are still being finalized in consultation with his family, our commitment is to ensure that his impact on our program is remembered for years to come.

Memorial Arrangements

The family has announced the following arrangements to celebrate Dawson's life:

Visitation

Friday, July 31, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Central Community Church
680 York Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

Memorial Service

Saturday, August 1, 2026
3:00 p.m.
Central Community Church
680 York Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

The Redeemer Royals family encourages all who knew Dawson to continue praying for his family and loved ones as they grieve. We are grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love and support shown by our campus community and the broader hockey family during this difficult time.

The Redeemer Royals extend our deepest condolences to Dawson's family and loved ones. We pray that God's peace and comfort, which surpasses all understanding, will surround them in the days and weeks ahead.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15