Word has come out that United States Army Special Forces Sgt. 1st Class Michael A. Cathcart passed away from injuries sustained during combat operations on Friday in Kunduz Province, Afghanistan. Cathcart practiced with the Hurricanes last year when the team did drills in Fort Bragg.

From MLive.com:

"A Bay City soldier died in the Kunduz Province of Afghanistan Friday, Nov. 14, while serving on a combat operation, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. Sgt. 1st Class Michael A. Cathcart, 31, died from small arms fire during the operation. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group in Fort Bragg, North Carolina."

The Hurricanes released a statement on the matter:

“We are deeply saddened to hear that we’ve lost Sgt. Cathcart,” said general manager Ron Francis. “The day that Mike practiced with our team at Cleland Ice Rink at Fort Bragg was a very special day for our players.

People throw around the word ‘hero’ too easily sometimes, but Mike Cathcart was a true hero. He proudly served our country and died protecting our safety and freedom. We are grateful for that day we were able to spend with him and the impact he left on our team. On behalf of the Hurricanes organization, I send heartfelt condolences to his family and his unit.”

Hurricanes captain Eric Staal added: “It was an honor to share the ice with Mike that day. Mike had already been seriously injured in the line of duty, but he was determined to return to active duty. My teammates and I will never forget his sacrifice.”

This is not a wonderful way to start one's Sunday, at all. Rest in peace Micahel A Cathcart. Your selflessness for the world community are not unnoticed by the international hockey community.

More from Yahoo hockey