RI Hockey Star Arthur Saran Dies at Age 44

RI Hockey Star Arthur Saran Dies at Age 44

Arthur "Artie" Saran, a retired hockey player and father, passed away at age 44. He had battled ALS for the past few years and his effort was strongly supported by the Rhode Island hockey community.

He is pure Rhode Island, having played for the Rhode Island Saints and La Salle Academy before moving on to play his professional hockey dream.

"Artie was just someone who you couldn’t help but be drawn to -- larger than life and the personality to match. The guys in the locker room all loved him and we are all heartbroken over this. Honestly, believed he would be the first to beat it," said Saran's close friend Andy Calcione.

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Saran had been being treated with a stem cell protocol in an effort to combat ALS.

Saran's Career

He began playing in 1993 playing for the London Knights in the OHL (Ontario Junior Hockey League) before moving into the minor league ranks with the Wichita Thunder of the CHL (Central Hockey League) in 1995.

In addition, he played with the Jacksonville Bullets, West Palm Beach Barracudas, and Saginaw Lumber Kings.

Annually, Rhode Island’s hockey community came together and raised money to provide support for Saran’s son Arthur, Jr.