[killer_carlson]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskat...hinz-1.4617834

Hinz had Asperger syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism, but had a mind like a steel trap for numbers, with his family suspecting he had savant abilities. Strueby recalled her nephew, at a young age, could count into the thousands and as he grew older, he could toss out sport statistics dating back to the 1940s.

"It was just like a natural ability. He did not have to work at it," she said about the soon-to-be high school graduate, who was interested in a career in sports management.

Given that talent and a love for Humboldt's No. 1 hockey team, it was a natural fit for him to become the Broncos' statistician, and to join the team on its journeys.

In the last week, people have been sharing anecdotes about the boy who grew up volunteering for his church and teaching Sunday school, who would dress up as Santa Claus for the community soup kitchen's Christmas, and who was both a role model and friend to young children.

"And it's so heartwarming, touching, all of it," said Strueby of all the stories she has heard about him.

When she visited his school to gather his belongings, Strueby could see just how much of an impact her nephew had made.

As she and her brother prepared to leave, the principal stopped them and asked, "Hey, would you like to come and see something pretty special?"

Spoiler!