Hockey Community Affected By The Passing Of Former First-Round NHL Draft Pick

Miika Elomo was originally drafted by the Washington Capitals in the 1995 NHL Draft. They selected him with the 23rd overall pick, and although he might not have had the NHL career he wanted, the 47-year-old was well respected throughout the hockey community before his passing in the recent days.

Elomo would only go on to play two NHL games with the Washington Capitals during the 1999-00 season before going back and spending the rest of his career in the SM-Liiga.

The hockey community was shocked to hear of the passing of Elomo. Sources confirmed on Sunday that the 47-year-old tragically passed away. The hockey community gathered as one and showed their love and respect for Elomo.

After he decided to hang up his skates and retire from hockey, Elomo decided to stay involved in hockey and took on bench jobs in Europe, and he was in the middle of coaching the Cergy-Pontoise, which is the top level competition in France, before the announcement of his passing.

Tributes have been posted all over social media since the news broke regarding Miika Elomo's passing. Even though he never became the star he hoped to be in the NHL, he has become a beloved member of the hockey community.

Our thoughts and prayers along with condolences are with the family of Elomo, and his friends, teammates, and anyone else that knew him.