Washington Township, New Jersey, and the sports community are mourning the untimely death of beloved native and ice hockey standout Michael ‘Mike’ Ritz.
Mike Ritz passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the age of 53; however, his family has not yet disclosed the reasons behind his untimely death.
A resident of Sewell, New Jersey, Mike was a cherished member of the New Jersey sports community and touched the lives of many young athletes with his amazing coaching skills and his kind-hearted nature.
Furthermore, Mike began his athletic journey at Washington Township High School. He was a founding member of the Washington Township Ice Hockey Club in 1990 and served as their first-ever team captain.
Throughout his high school journey, Mike won several honorable titles for his remarkable performance.
He was a high school All-Star selection and was a prospect and attendee of the Philadelphia Flyers prospect camp, also in the same year.
Mike was also selected for the Warminster Comets in 199. He further joined the Philadelphia Scorchers Roller Hockey Club, an amateur roller hockey team, in 1992 and played until 1994.
He then played for the NJ Fusion from 1994 to 1996.
Late Mike Ritz Began His Professional Ice Hockey Journey In 1996
After years of experience playing in several local clubs, Mike Ritz began his professional ice hockey journey, joining the Tour Mudcats team in 1996, a top-tier, well-known professional inline hockey (roller hockey) team from Pennsylvania, famous for competing in major tournaments like NARCh and TORHS.
He played for the Tour Mudcats until 1998, leading his team in several victories, and then went on to play for the NJ Ottakringers from 2001 to 2002 in the North American Roller Hockey League (NARHL).
Similarly, Mike continued his professional journey, joining Tour Renegades of the Professional Inline Hockey Association (PIHA) in 2002 and then went on to play for the Garden State Ottakringers from 2002 to 2002.
Mike Ritz also played for the NJ Roit (2005) of the Major League Roller Hockey (MLRH) and joined the Philadelphia Growl in 2006, playing until 2007 and again rejoining the team in 2012-13, also of the PIHA.
He further played for several other men’s leagues and was known for playing with his boys on Natty Ice.
In addition to being an exceptional athlete, Mike was also a great coach who began his coaching career in 1990 as a practice coach of the Little Flyers Hockey Club.
He then founded the Cougars Roller Hockey Club in 1994 at the home rink, Skaters Choice, where he coached the Cougars 8U,10U,12U, and 14U teams until 2004.
Likewise, Mike was also known as a devoted member of Cross Keys United Methodist Church, whose love for kids was indescribable.
Mik Ritz’s contribution to the community as a remarkable coach and athlete and a kind human being will always be remembered.
Many of his loved ones are sharing Mike’s memories on social media and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
One wrote:
“The roller hockey community and Hollydell hockey family lost a legend today. Rest in peace coach Mike Ritz. Thank you for all that you have done for our hockey players, families, and my sons. Deepest condolences to little Mike, the Ritz, and Davidson families. Gone too soon.”
Curt Reger
Another added:
“The hockey world lost a great one yesterday. From linemates for the Ottakringer in MLRH for William Koslosky to the Growl in PIHA for Flynner. To seeing you at Hollydell getting ready to run a clinic or just get a skate in, trying to convince me to play again and everywhere in between. You were one of the good guys Mike Ritz. That line of myself, you, Dave Mainardi, and Ken Meyer was lethal and we had a blast man. I’ll miss you forever. RIP my friend.”
Robert Beauchamp
Mike Ritz is survived by his beloved wife, Lori Koehler Ritz, two kids, son, Michael Jr., and Ava, father Walter Ritz, sister Laurie Davidson (George), Parents-in-law, Barbara and Robert Koehler, and the entire family.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia A. Ritz, who passed away on May 28, 2024, at the age of 77.
Mike Ritz’s family has organized a memorial service and viewing for him on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Road, Washington Township. Funeral Service will be held at 8:00 PM.
