Sean Romeo: Ohio State hockey star dies at 31 after stroke
The former Buckeye goaltender, who played in the 2018 Frozen Four, died on Oct. 24 from complications of a stroke.
By Scott Marshall ·
Sean Romeo, a former goaltender for Ohio State University, died on Oct. 24 from complications of a stroke. He was 31 years old. Romeo transferred from the University of Maine to Columbus following the 2015-16 season.
Brendon Kearney, who played alongside Romeo for three seasons, recalled Romeo’s habits during his 2016-17 season. That year, Romeo was ineligible to compete due to transfer rules. Despite missing every game, Kearney said Romeo arrived at the rink before every other player. "The thing I will always remember is that entire season, he had no chance of playing and was the first person to the rink every single day," Kearney said.
Head coach Steve Rohlik, who led the team from 2016 to 2019, noted that Romeo maintained a strict routine throughout his time in Columbus. "His routine from day one when he got to Ohio State, his preparation for practice, his detail, it never wavered from day one until the day he left," Rohlik said. Rohlik described the past week as difficult for the program, calling Romeo’s death "sad and unfortunate and hard to comprehend."
Romeo achieved notable success during his junior and senior years. He served as the goalkeeper for the 2018 Frozen Four team and set the program record for consecutive shutouts that year. He also earned second-team All-Big Ten honors and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance. In his redshirt-junior year, he was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Midwest Regional. After leaving Ohio State, he played in the East Coast Hockey League.
Kearney highlighted Romeo’s academic focus, noting that the goaltender received the NCAA Elite 90 award for having the highest grade point average among student-athletes at the 2018 Frozen Four. Kearney said Romeo maintained a positive demeanor regardless of the situation. "I think I just still have that smile of his seared into my brain every time I think of him," Kearney said.
A celebration of life for Romeo is scheduled for Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. The event will take place at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Cary, N.C. Rohlik said the team intends to support Romeo’s family and friends during this period.
