It’s been five years, but Colorado College athletic director Ken Ralph still vividly remembers the phone call.

“It hits you every year about this time,” Ralph said.

The doubt and the hope, the belief that recent graduate Scott Winkler, 23, was actually happy and healthy and preparing to try and crack a pro hockey roster. The fear that those false rumors would spread and be damaging.

The dread of the confirmation, and the “crushing” reality.

“Someone you spent so much time with over four years, watched grow and evolve, who was so committed to this program,” Ralph said. “You didn’t get to say goodbye, and now they’re gone.”

A month after receiving his degree in economics from CC, Winkler was found unresponsive at his parents’ home in Asker, Norway, on June 12, 2013.

He was beloved by teammates and had a promising hockey future ahead. He was drafted in the third round (89th overall) in 2008 by the Dallas Stars.

The cause of death was never released, and gathering information from abroad added confusion and frustration to grief. Those who knew him suspected it was an undiagnosed medical problem, possibly with his heart.

Winkler’s teammates have left the program, as has much of the staff. But his likeness and positive influence still can be found at The Broadmoor World Arena.

Former teammate Andrew Hamburg spearheaded the creation of the Scott Winkler ’13 Memorial Fund, which backs more extensive tests and screening for incoming players.

“Just to make sure we’re not missing anything,” Ralph said.

The team also created the Scott Winkler Award, given yearly to the player who best exemplifies Winkler’s humility, optimism and support.

Trainer Jason Bushie, in his 11th year with the team, was visibly emotional while presenting Winkler’s namesake 2018 award to forward and co-captain Mason Bergh.

Winkler was a gym nut, which endeared him to the training staff. Even though heart conditions often present no symptoms, Ralph said Winkler’s death may always affect Bushie.

“He gets very close to (the players), feels responsible for their health and wellness,” Ralph said. “It was something he had no control over, but it made such an impact on him.”

The award was handed out after the most valuable player honor, which highlighted its importance.

“There are players who are very rooted in the history who’ve said they would rather win that award,” Ralph said. “They never met Scott, but they still get choked up.

“His presence is still around the locker room. It’s still felt even for a lot of these kids who were 15 years old when he passed.”

Bergh, who arrived at CC in 2015, fit the bill.

“This is one of the biggest honors I’ve had as a player,” he said. “Never had the chance to meet Scott, but from what I’ve heard, he’s one of the best guys that’s ever walked in the doors of our locker room.

“I’m going to continue to try and exemplify those characteristics that he had.”