Patrick O’Donnell, University Of Utah Hockey Player, Passes Away At 23

SALT LAKE CITY – Patrick O’Donnell, former goaltender for the University of Utah’s Men’s Division 2 team, has passed away at the age of 23 after a multi-year battle with cancer.

While I’ve known the O’Donnell family since high school, It was a gift to get to know Paddy a little better last season. Paddy was the definition of optimism and fight and I’m heartbroken to hear of his passing. Grateful @utahmammoth & @utahhockey worlds collided bc of Paddy 💜🕊️ https://t.co/bTk0Mh20An

— Sarah Merrifield (@SCMerrifield) August 25, 2025

Patrick O’Donnell’s youth hockey career

Born in Carlsbad, California in 2002, O’Donnell spent most of his youth playing for the San Diego Junior Gulls hockey organization.

O’Donnell then attended Pacific Ridge High School where he played both Division 1 & 2 over the course of his last two seasons.

During his senior year, the Pacific Ridge Firebirds joined the North American Prospects League prep division and won the championship that same season.

The young goaltender then committed to Utah in July of 2021 and played for the Utes until his diagnosis in 2022.

Patrick O’Donnell honored by End Brain Cancer Initiative, Utah Hockey & Utah Mammoth

During his battle with Glioblastoma, O’Donnell was honored by the End Brain Cancer Initiative at the University of California San Diego Health’s Sanford Stem Cell Institute with the National Hope Award for demonstrating hope and determination in the face of his diagnosis.

Amidst the 2024-25 season, O’Donnell was then honored by both the University of Utah Hockey Program and the Utah Mammoth during their “Hockey Fights Cancer” games.

“He really does light up a room when he walks into it,” Utah Hockey Coach Nick Fornelius told SEG in an interview. “A spirit he brought to the team really helped this team in its early days.”

“Obviously his spirit, demeanor, and meaning to the team has continued on through his battle.”

O’Donnell is survived by his parents Ann and Hugh as well as four siblings.

Cole Bagley is the Utah Mammoth insider for KSL Sports. Keep up with him on X here. You can hear Cole break down the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV.

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