Former Panther Wade Belak dead at 35

by Donny Rivette on Aug 31, 2011 9:09 PM EDT in NHL & General Hockey

From the Calgary Sun:

Former Toronto Maple Leafs tough guy Wade Belak was found dead in a Toronto hotel Wednesday.

Belak retired in March after a long NHL career that included stops in Colorado, Calgary, Toronto, Florida and Nashville.

Belak's death - yet to be officially commented on by local authorities - follows the losses of Rick Rypien and Derek Boogaard in recent months; all former "tough guys" with varying stages of success at the NHL level.

In 32 games over parts of two seasons with Florida, Belak had no points with 37 penalty minutes before being dealt to the Nashville Predators for Nick Tarnasky in November of 2008.

Wade's final website entry - characteristic of the drive and passion he displayed in his short time with the Panthers - can be found here. As well, please do stop in at On The Forecheck for a local roundup of this horrendous news. One can only imagine the emotions of Mike Santos, Marcel Goc, Mike Santorelli, and others in "the family" who spent considerable time with the Predators in recent seasons.

Our prayers to his family, friends, and fans.

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Pretty sad news.. Hopefully no more of this for a very long time..

by Rob PKane McMahon on Aug 31, 2011 6:29 PM EDT reply actions

Wow, this is so sad and shocking. Another player gone way too soon.

The Ghost of David Nemirovsky

by panthersfan27 on Aug 31, 2011 6:34 PM EDT reply actions

I’m just out of words. Unbelievable.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Aug 31, 2011 6:40 PM EDT reply actions

This needs to stop. Horrible, Horrible, Horrible news. Just sickening. Here’s a quote from Mike Santos on the subject via On Frozen Pond: "He was as friendly and nice a person as I have ever met. He would give you the shirt off his back. He did so much for kids and our community. He was wonderful.‘’ I’m shocked. I’m sad. I don’t know what to say. It’s a real shame. He’s was the best.’

- Go Panthers -

by flpanther360 on Aug 31, 2011 6:53 PM EDT reply actions

I am so unbelievably sad right now. Condolences to his family and friends.

by spoonie on Aug 31, 2011 8:02 PM EDT via iPhone app reply actions

I’m really upset to see there’s been another loss this summer. My thoughts are with anyone close to Wade.

The unaimed arrow never misses
Head Coordinator of the Weaver for Capn campaign
Find me on Twidduh And look at my Marmots

by Chris S Roberts on Aug 31, 2011 8:15 PM EDT reply actions

From former NHLer Chris Dingman:

dingdish Chris Dingman
People think sports, and most just see a lifestyle. It is really hard mentally and physically. Especially hard when your done.

dingdish Chris Dingman
When your done, your left to let ponder, what do I do with, myself now? Tough to ponder… More needs to be done to ease the transition.

The unaimed arrow never misses
Head Coordinator of the Weaver for Capn campaign
Find me on Twidduh And look at my Marmots

by Chris S Roberts on Aug 31, 2011 8:17 PM EDT reply actions

Wait so does this mean it was another Rypien incident? :/

by Rob PKane McMahon on Aug 31, 2011 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions

ugh.. just looked further..

“The Toronto Sun is reporting Wade Belak’s death as a suicide. According to our news department, he hung himself.”

ugh.. just looked further..

“The Toronto Sun is reporting Wade Belak’s death as a suicide. According to our news department, he hung himself.”

sad if its true, they said he was really upbeat, did some front office work as well as sitting in during games commentating towards the end of last year. Was also recently on a radio show talking about Rypien and how tragic it was.. crazy, a real bummer.

by Rob PKane McMahon on Aug 31, 2011 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions

thank you internet or SB nation or whatever it is that double posted that in my comment :|

by Rob PKane McMahon on Aug 31, 2011 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Noted.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Sep 1, 2011 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Ugh

that is so terrible. He always seemed like he had such a bright future with his great sense of humor and his great people skills. I sure hope that every team he plays for will honor his memory in some way, just like for Boogard and Rypien.

The NHL (and the NFL for that matter) have to really step up their game and go all-in on finding out what is causing these tragic, preventable deaths.

The Ghost of David Nemirovsky

by panthersfan27 on Aug 31, 2011 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m not sure if that’s what he’s hinting at, but it seems there is a problem with any number of the NHL’s player programs

The unaimed arrow never misses
Head Coordinator of the Weaver for Capn campaign
Find me on Twidduh And look at my Marmots

by Chris S Roberts on Aug 31, 2011 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Ouch

This one really hurts, I loved Belak when he was down here. I wonder if the league has to start looking at these enforcers with the beating they get throughout the season and stop this role they put themselves in. The third tough guy that passes this year of an apparent suicide.

by 305Panther on Aug 31, 2011 8:55 PM EDT reply actions

Sad

I believe many of these players should have help in transitioning to life after sports with a good support network headed by former players. Show that they could do charitable works, coach kids, go back to school, and lead productive lives. It may not be that simple for some but it couldn’t hurt.

Fish, Heatles, Cats, Fins, Noles

by National Mario on Sep 1, 2011 12:17 AM EDT reply actions

Its kinda like…what do I do now? Retired at 40?

The unaimed arrow never misses
Head Coordinator of the Weaver for Capn campaign
Find me on Twidduh And look at my Marmots

by Chris S Roberts on Sep 1, 2011 1:03 AM EDT up reply actions

Sad thing is it seemed Wade was still staying active and he had an awesome personality.. Besides the fact that he was a panther so we can relate more to him seeing him play here I think this is why it’s hitting so many fans so hard. He was well liked everywhere he went.

by Rob PKane McMahon on Sep 1, 2011 3:11 AM EDT up reply actions

I am feeling so sad about Wade and extend my heart felt sympathy to his family. For everyone looking to draw a line between what has been just a tragedy among the NHL community, I say stop looking. Only the loved one’s closest to these young men will know the truest details of what was their angst, we the populous will not be told and to speculate is just that- speculation/assumption/gossip. My hope would be that anyone reading or knowing these young guys personally and seeing themselves in similar situations reach out to friends, family, coaches, heck a stranger on the street, your favorite chef, tell someone you need help. Human spirit can overcome so many life challenges!!

Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, always do your best...

by RPC on Sep 1, 2011 8:13 AM EDT reply actions

UPDATE

Well.. as I said- speculation/assumptions and gossip…
There’s more coming to light on this story. I should listen to my own comment- ’don’t make assumptions’…

Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, always do your best...

by RPC on Sep 3, 2011 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions