The Greenwich community and beyond are mourning the sudden death of a popular hockey coach remembered for his love of the game and his commitment to his players.

Greenwich High School boys varsity hockey coach Chris Rurak died Friday at the age of 47. Rurak led the Cardinals for the past four seasons and was known for more than just the team's winning record.

"Chris was a very enthusiastic and energetic guy when it came to his passion, which was hockey and developing players," says Rich Ernye, the Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink manager.

That wasn't just high school players. Rurak also coached the youth program at the Greenwich Skating Club for several years.

"It was clear from Day 1, Chris' goal was to make their hockey experience the best possible for all the kids who he got to coach with," says Frank Granito, a former HAN Network lead broadcaster.

Rurak was a member of the Greenwich Athletic Foundation, which has partnered with his family to start a scholarship in his name. He leaves behind a wife and two teenage boys, who are both students at Greenwich High School.

The school's headmaster released a statement that said in part, "Coach Rurak made a lasting impact upon the sport of hockey, and his genuine love for the game and his support of his players has been felt throughout our town."

"When you hear from a lot of the kids who played for him over the past four years, you're going to hear that same sentiment where they were very lucky and very proud to have got to be a part of the Chris Rurak-era at Greenwich," says Granito.

The cause of death has not been released.

Rurak was a native of Canada, where he became passionate about ice hockey. He also played four seasons at SUNY Cortland, serving as captain.