Scott Winkler, a 23-year-old Stars prospect, was found dead at his parents' home in Norway on Wednesday.
Winkler was a third-round draft pick by the Stars in 2008. He had just finished his senior year at Colorado College and was planning with the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League next season.
"It's just such a shock and so sad," Stars assistant general manager Les Jackson told The Dallas Morning News. "He was a good kid with a bright future, and our thoughts go out to his family."
Although his father is from Canada, Winkler was born in Asker, Norway, his mother's native country.
According to reports, it was his mother who discovered his body when she returned home from work. No other details about his death have been released.
"The Dallas Stars are heartbroken to hear about Scott's passing," Stars GM Jim Nill said in statement. "Scott was a wonderful young man with great character and a bright future; we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends."
Winkler, a forward, came to the US in 2007 and played for Cedar Rapids in the
United States Hockey League the year he was drafted by Dallas. He recorded 63 points (24 goals, 39 assists) in 120 college games.
"It is an unfathomable tragedy to see a talented young man pass at such an early age," Colorado College athletic director Ken Ralph said in a statement. "This spring we have seen Scott put in a great deal of work to prepare himself for his professional career and the rest of his life. He had such a bright future ahead of him."
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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