Update-Saturday, 2:15 P.M. The Kettler Iceplex has established a fund to aid the St. Louis family. Brian is survived by, among others, his wife Emily, who is expecting the couple's first child in March. Contributions can be sent to The Brian & Emily St. Louis Family Fund in care of CRP Management Group, PO Box 1548, Ashburn, VA, 20146

Original Story: Brian St. Louis, youth hockey coach and hockey director of the Capitals Iceplex, died suddenly Thursday at the Ballston rink while the team was practicing nearby. He was 27 years old.

ARLnow reported that St. Louis had a medical emergency shortly before noon Thursday. Paramedics performed CPR on him and transferred him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A cause of death was not released.

Capitals owner Ted Leonsis posted an announcement from Iceplex general manager Beth Lenz on his blog, adding "We [have] lost a family member today from our local hockey community."

The note from Lenz read, in part: "The Washington Little Capitals, the Kettler Capitals Iceplex and the DC hockey community lost a great person today when Brian St. Louis passed away unexpectedly in Arlington, Va.

"The Little Caps organization and the Kettler Capitals Iceplex extend their deepest sympathies to Brian's wife, Emily, and his surrounding family and friends."

A native of Bowie, St. Louis had served as hockey director at the Iceplex since 2008, and was set to coach the Washington Little Capitals under-11 team this coming winter. He had spent the previous six years on the staff of the Washington Junior Nationals College Development Program. As a player, St. Louis also captained the Junior Nationals to the Atlantic Junior Hockey League championship in 2004 before moving into coaching.

Funeral arrangements are pending. The Kettler Iceplex is creating a tribute webpage in St. Louis's honor. Messages can be sent to Condolences@KettlerCapitalsIceplex.com