When the New Milford Green Wave Hockey Team opens its season Wednesday night, it won’t just be their first game. It’ll be the first without a beloved player. Junior Will Neeb, 16, died in a car crash Monday night.

“Our community is heartbroken. Being a small community personalizes a lot for all of us here especially during the holidays,” New Milford Mayor Pete Bass told News 12.

It’s a profound loss for a tight-knit town.

“William was a role model in the community. He was a scholar and an athlete and somebody that we would like our children to be like,” said Police Chief Spencer Cerruto, whose department is investigating the crash.

It happened in the 200 block of Pickett District Road at 8:09 p.m. Monday when Will’s SUV went off the road and through a fence. A row of hockey sticks now pays tribute to Will at the crash site after his teammates held a memorial there Tuesday afternoon.

Will was an honors student, skilled hockey player and All State golfer, according to New Milford’s Superintendent of Schools Janet Parlato.

"Will was known for his kind heart, his friendliness to peers, and his diligence as a student. He will be tremendously missed by his peers and the staff of New Milford Public Schools," Parlato said in a statement.

Those sentiments were echoed in messages teammates left for Will on sticks and other sports gear at the memorial. Tributes also flooded social media with some people changing their profile picture to Will's number, 12.

“A friend. A family member. And our brother. We’ll love you always and miss you forever,” the hockey team posted on X and Instagram.

Parlato said counselors have been at the high school and will be the rest of the week. A candlelight vigil in Will’s memory is planned for Friday.

“Representing the town, our prayers and our condolences go out to his family, and may his memory be eternal,” Bass said.