OTTAWA (April 19, 2012) - Former Gaels men's hockey star and two-time Senator Joseph A. Sullivan Trophy as the player of the year in Canadian university hockey Paul Stothart passed away Tuesday at the age of 55 to cancer.

Stothart was one of the best to ever don the Gaels uniform as he amassed a total of 105 goals and 101 assists for 206 points in only 88 games in four seasons from 1978-79 to 1981-82. He was a three-time Ontario University Athletic Association (OUAA) All-Star and three-time All-Canadian.

"It deepley saddens me that we were informed of the loss of Paul Stothart. Paul was one of the most decorated players ever to play for the Men's Hockey program," said current head coach Brett Gibson. "On behalf of the the past alumni and current team our thoughts and prayers are with the Stothart family during this difficult time."

After being named the team rookie of the year in his first year as a Gael, Stothart was co-winner of the team MVP award his second year where his 34 goals set the then OUAA record for most in a season. An assistant captain in his final two seasons, Stothart took home the Senator Joseph A. Sullivan Trophy as the player of the year in Canadian university hockey each season and is the only Gael to have won the award.

In his final year as a Gael he was also honored with the Jenkins trophy which is awarded annually to a Queen's Varsity Team male athlete in his 4th or 5th year who best displays qualities of scholastic achievement, competitiveness, leadership, sportsmanship, dedication and exceptional contributions to his team. He finished his career as the Gaels all-time leading scorer, a record that still stands today.

Stothart graduated from Queen's University with a bachelor in civil engineering and an MBA in finance, and went on to become the vice-president of economic affairs for the Mining Association of Canada.

He is survived by his wife, Karen, and children Sarah, Alex and Julia.