David Gove
American ice hockey player who played two NHL games.
David Thomas Gove (May 4, 1978 – April 5, 2017) was an American ice hockey player who appeared in two NHL games with the Carolina Hurricanes between 2005 and 2007. He also served as head coach of the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL and played his final professional season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 4 May 1978
- Birthplace
- Centerville, Massachusetts, U.S.
- Died
- 5 April 2017
- Place of death
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
- Position
- Forward
- Shoots
- Left
- Played for
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Draft
- Undrafted
Facts from the source article.
Career
David Gove was raised on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where he began playing youth hockey both locally and around the Boston area. In 1992, he took part in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament as a member of the Boston Bruins minor ice hockey team. He went on to play college hockey for the Western Michigan University Broncos, earning a spot as a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the top player in NCAA men's hockey. Never drafted, Gove appeared in just two NHL games during his entire professional career, both with the Carolina Hurricanes. He got his first call-up on January 30, 2006, and picked up an assist in his NHL debut. Later that year, the Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup. Because Gove did not play in half of the regular season games or appear in the Cup Final, his name was not engraved on the trophy. However, as part of the team's "Black Aces" taxi squad, he was included in the official team photo and got to lift the Cup after the victory. The Hurricanes also gave him a championship ring. Gove was recalled again on October 21, 2006, to replace injured forward Keith Aucoin. He played one game before being sent back to Carolina's AHL affiliate in Albany on October 23. Throughout the 2006–07 season, the Hurricanes recalled him several more times, but he never got into the lineup. On January 31, 2008, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for prospect Joe Jensen. He was immediately assigned to Pittsburgh's AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre, where he helped the team reach the 2008 Calder Cup Final. The following season, he was named captain of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Gove retired after the 2008–09 campaign, having played 522 professional games across five different leagues.
Death
David Gove was found dead on April 5, 2017, at a rehab facility in Pittsburgh's Uptown neighborhood, where the local coroner pronounced him dead. Heroin stamp bags were found next to his body. While no official cause has been released, authorities suspect a drug overdose. The Boston Globe reported that Gove turned to drugs after an injury ended his playing career. In 2014, Gove told police that a youth coach, Robert G. Richardson, had sexually abused him when Gove was in his early teens. Gove had previously disclosed the abuse to others. Richardson was prosecuted, but the case ended when Gove died just before the trial. Gove left behind his three-year-old son Cullen, his mother Donna, and his sisters Kim Burnieika and Kristen Buttrick.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was David Gove born?
David Gove was born on 4 May 1978 in Centerville, Massachusetts, U.S.
When did David Gove die?
David Gove died on 5 April 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
More in Carolina Hurricanes Players from the United States
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