Kelly Hultgren’s Battle Ends And His Untimely Passing Stuns Hockey Community
Kelly Hultgren didn't reach the NHL, but built a solid professional career across multiple minor leagues.
July 23, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on July 23, 2026
Kelly Hultgren, a retired American ice hockey defenseman, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2026. He had started hospice, and his son, Kyler, took the first plane up to be with his dad a few weeks ago.
On July 2, he had to be given CPR twice, and the damage was too much. Afterwards, their world changed forever.
Kelly Hultgren may not have reached the NHL, but he built a solid professional career across multiple minor leagues in the 1990s and early 2000s. He was renowned for his offensive contributions from the blue line.
Similarly, he was a consistent and respected presence on every team he played for.
Hultgren is originally from Bloomington, Minnesota, and began playing hockey at Thomas Jefferson High School before transitioning to collegiate hockey.
He played for St. Cloud State University in the early 1990s, developing his skills as a reliable two-way defenseman.
Before turning pro, he also competed in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Omaha Lancers from 1989 to 1991.
Hultgren played in several minor leagues, including the ECHL, UHL, WCHL, and IHL. One of his most notable stints was with the Elmira Jackals during the 2000–01 season.
His untimely passing deeply saddened the entire hockey community, and many remembered him in heartfelt posts.
The Omaha Lancers are saddened by the passing of alumnus Kelly Hultgren who played for Omaha from 1989 to 1991. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Kelly Hultgren’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
Kelly Hultgren was a beloved father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. His untimely passing left the whole community mourning.
His kind spirit, quiet strength, and warm presence touched everyone who knew him, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.
Kelly was the epitome of warmth and resiliency. He was serene, kind, and vibrant. Those who loved him will never forget his smile and unwavering strength.
He made each person feel special, whether through a shared laugh or the way he said a nickname only he could make his own. He was a fighter in every sense, facing life’s challenges with courage and a sense of humor.
I’ll miss you and we love you so much, Kelly ✨
My oldest cousin passed away this morning, Kelly Hultgren. I think my heart knew when, I just felt it 💔Celebrating his wonderful life and mourning the loss of his presence here with us now. Forever the both/and.
Above all, Kelly cherished his family. He was a devoted father to his son, Kyler, who was his entire world.
In recent weeks, Kyler has demonstrated extraordinary love and strength, staying by his father’s side, holding his hand, and offering the greatest gift of all: his unwavering presence and heart.
Their relationship showed the intense love Kelly fostered in his role as a father.
Kelly graduated from Georgia Southern University and works at .
Today, Kyler said goodbye to his dad. If you knew Kelly, you knew how deeply he loved his son — Kyler was his whole world. Over the past few weeks Kyler has shown a kind of strength, love, and grace that has left us in awe. Sitting with his dad, holding his hand, showing up every single day — he gave back to Kelly the greatest gift: his presence and his heart. Please keep him close in your thoughts.❤️
Kelly’s passion for hockey defined much of his life and carved out a respectable career in the minor leagues.
After retiring, he remained connected to the sport, particularly in Pensacola, Florida, where he made his home. His dedication to the game earned him lasting respect from teammates, fans, and the hockey community.
His legacy lives on in the memories of those who loved him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
The Hultgren family has received several donations from friends and family to assist with their expenses. They requested that anyone who would like to help with the funeral costs can .
The family will share details regarding memorial services at a later time. Rest in peace, Kelly Hultgren.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Kelly Hultgren was born on Apr 11, 1971, in St. Paul, Minnesota.
- He was 183 cm tall and weighed approximately 86 kg.
- Check other Articles on
Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.
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