Tanner Kahlau: 1998-2021

Fredonia State Athletics is mourning the loss of Tanner Kahlau, a junior men's hockey player, who passed away Jan. 12 from injuries sustained in a skiing accident in Lake Placid.

Mr. Kahlau, 22, is survived by his parents, Susan and Butch Kahlau, and a sister, Anna. (See online obituary below for names of other survivors). He is a 2016 graduate of Crestwood High School in Mountain Top, Pa., where he played football and lacrosse. He also played junior hockey with the New Jersey Rockets of the United State Premier Hockey League before enrolling at Fredonia State in 2018. He was majoring in Business Management with a minor in Exercise Science.

"We are saddened by the loss of our teammate, Tanner," Fredonia State Head Coach Jeff Meredith said. "The impact he left on our program, coaches, and teammates will forever be remembered." 

"To say Tanner was a great teammate is not doing him justice," Meredith said. "He was a teammate that everyone loved. His kind demeanor, easy way, and welcoming smile made him a leader, confidant, and friend to all. He was a 'team first' guy and would do anything for his boys. Tanner was incredibly humble and I am fortunate to be able to say I worked with him and got to share in his college experience. Our Fredonia family is strong and we will need that strength to support each other as we mourn the loss of such a valued member of our family. God bless Tanner and his family."

"Tanner was a great young man," Director of Athletics Jerry Fisk said. "He was a student-athlete that always shared a smile and had time to talk with you. He was a pleasure to be around and his loss will be felt by everyone on the team, in the department, and at Fredonia State."

It was just announced that an ice rink in his hometown is being restored in his honor and that of another hockey player who lost their life.

Funeral arrangements are by Desiderio-Lehman Funeral and Cremation of Mountain Top, Pa.