HARTLAND, MI – Tonight, the Hartland High School community will gather for a touching tribute to honor the memory of Josh Ruthig, a beloved Class of 2014 graduate and standout hockey player. Josh died in 2022, but his legacy as an exceptional athlete and kind-hearted individual continues to inspire those who knew him.
In a ceremony held before their game against Livonia Stevenson, the Hartland Hockey team will retire Josh’s jersey number, #21, ensuring that his memory lives on in the hearts of his teammates, family, and fans. It will be an emotional yet celebratory evening, as the school community reflects on Josh’s impact both on and off the ice.
Remembering Josh Ruthig: A Legacy of Excellence
Josh Ruthig wasn’t just a talented hockey player; he was a symbol of perseverance, teamwork, and dedication. As a key member of the Hartland High School hockey team, Josh brought exceptional skill and leadership to every game, earning the respect of his teammates, coaches, and even opposing players. He was known for his relentless work ethic and his ability to lift up those around him, both through his actions on the ice and his kindness off it.
Josh’s commitment to the sport and his team set a high standard, one that continues to define the Hartland hockey program to this day. Graduating in 2014, his influence left a lasting impression on the school and the entire community. He was more than just a great player—he was a beloved friend, classmate, and role model.
Honoring #21: A Touching Tribute
The decision to retire Josh’s jersey number, #21, is a heartfelt gesture from the Hartland Hockey team. In a special pre-game ceremony, attended by his family, friends, and former teammates, Josh’s number will be officially retired, ensuring that his legacy is remembered for years to come.
The ceremony will include speeches from coaches, teammates, and school officials, each sharing stories of Josh’s dedication to the team and his positive influence on everyone around him. The retirement of his jersey serves as both a symbol of his remarkable contributions and a way for the community to collectively honor his memory.
A Community United in Remembrance
For the Hartland community, tonight’s tribute is about more than just retiring a number—it’s about celebrating the life of a young man who touched so many lives. The evening serves as a reminder of the power of sports to bring people together and forge bonds that last a lifetime. As the community reflects on Josh’s impact, it’s clear that his influence went far beyond the hockey rink.
Josh’s family has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and the effort to honor his memory. For them, tonight’s ceremony is a touching reminder of how much Josh meant to his community, and how deeply he is missed.
Carrying Josh’s Spirit Forward
As the Hartland Hockey team takes the ice tonight, they will carry with them the memory of their former teammate, Josh Ruthig. His jersey retirement is not just a tribute to his athletic talent but a call to continue the tradition of excellence that he embodied.
For current players, Josh’s legacy serves as a source of inspiration. His perseverance, humility, and camaraderie continue to guide the team, reminding them of the importance of working together and supporting one another both on and off the ice.
A Lasting Impact
Though his passing in 2022 was a devastating loss, Josh’s memory continues to inspire and uplift those who knew him. The retirement of his jersey number, along with the ongoing recognition of his contributions, ensures that his legacy will always be a vital part of Hartland High School’s hockey program.
As the community reflects on Josh’s life, they celebrate not only his achievements as an athlete but also his character as a teammate and friend. Josh’s story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact one person can have on the lives of many.
In Hartland, #21 will forever be synonymous with passion, perseverance, and community.