North Bay school of late young hockey player unveils banner to honour his legacy

Banner honours young North Bay hockey player Four years after his death, a special ceremony was held at an elementary school Thursday in North Bay to remember the late Noah Dugas.

Four years after his death, a special ceremony was held at an elementary school Thursday in North Bay to remember the late Noah Dugas.

École Élémentaire Catholique Saint-Raymond unveiled a new banner that will be hung at the gym entrance. It's meant to keep Noah's name alive with his family keeping his legacy and message going.

Wednesday was an emotional day for parents Dave and Jody Luesby-Dugas. Four years ago, their teenage son died from severe health complications.

"Our 13-year-old boy is one of the people that is an example of someone people look up to," Noah’s father, Dave, said.

Noah suffered a stroke during a hockey game in February 2020. His family immediately got him medical help, but at first, they couldn’t find anything wrong. It wasn’t until March 13 that an optometrist appointment urgently led them to the emergency room for a CT scan.

That’s when Noah's stroke was discovered.

He had to go to SickKids Hospital and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto for treatment in the summer and fall of 2020.

Noah passed away on Nov. 13 that year from an unexpected brain bleed.

"Life is not easy and people have challenges all the time," Dave Dugas said reflecting on the four-year anniversary of his son’s passing.

The Dugas family visited the elementary school their son attended to speak to the students about Noah’s message – to show compassion, kindness, compassion, determination and courage every day, even in the face of adversity.

"He was an important kid and when he was in the hospital, I felt bad," said Grade 6 student Kai Petch.

Made a profound impression

During his time at school, teachers and other staff say Noah made a profound impression on them.

"I think we should all learn to be like Noah," said Grade 6 student Malie Morley-Hotto.

"He was a great person."

Out of tragedy and sadness came the Noah Strong Foundation, which has raised more than $250,000. The charity advocates for organ donations and supports families going through medical emergencies.

"It took on a life of its own," Dave said.

"The whole reason we started the charity was really, in an effort, to give back and thank everybody for the support that we had and hopefully kind of reciprocate that."

Thursday also marked jersey day, a city-wide tradition where people wear the jersey of their favourite sports teams or 'Noah Strong' swag to honour Noah’s life and to show support for the foundation.

"The fact that these kids are all captivated by Noah’s story certainly makes us proud," Dave said.

The school hopes the banner will keep the young hockey player’s story, legacy and message alive for other kids to follow.

"I hope he flies high," Petch said.