Another NHLer passes away too early – R.I.P. Wade Belak

Shocking news today as retired NHLer Wade Belak was found dead in a Toronto condo. He was only 35 years old. He was a 15 year veteran and former first round pick of the Quebec Nordiques. He played for the Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, and Nashville Predators. He was a fan favorite during his time in Toronto because of his hard working style of play and for defending his teammates on the ice. In addition to his tough guy persona on the ice he was known as a great personality to have in the dressing room. He always found a way to lighten the mood with his humor and provide interesting sound bites for reporters.

You can read here about Belak as well as the tweets from various NHL players who were saddened by the news. It is obvious that he was respected as a teammate and as a person.

Our thoughts are with the Belak family.

This has truly turned out to be a sad offseason for the NHL. Belak is the third NHLer to pass away in the last 4 months, after the New York Rangers’ Derek Boogaard and the Vancouver Canucks’ Rick Rypien.