Former Panthers Tough Guy Belak Found Dead

35-year-old former NHL enforcer found dead in Toronto

Former Panthers player and NHL tough guy Wade Belak was found dead Wednesday in Toronto, the third enforcer found dead since May.

Belak, 35, was found by officers in a hotel and condo complex and police say foul play is not suspected.

According to the Toronto Sun, Belak took his own life.

Having retired after playing in 15 games with the Nashville Predators last season, Belak was scheduled to work as a sideline reporter on Nashville television broadcasts this season. The 6-foot-5, 233-pound forward also played for Colorado, Calgary and Toronto and finished his career with Nashville, playing in 549 career NHL games with eight goals, 25 assists and 1,263 penalty minutes.

He fought 136 times during his 14-year NHL career, according to hockeyfights.com.

Belak spent parts of two seasons with the Panthers, playing in 32 games and racking up 37 penalty minutes.

"Wade was a beloved member of the organization, a terrific teammate and wonderful father and husband who will be greatly missed," the Predators said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Jennifer and children Andie and Alex. We offer our full support to them at this very difficult time."

It's been a deadly offseason for NHL fighters. Winnipeg's Rick Rypien was found dead at the age of 27 earlier this month at his home in Alberta after a police official said a call was answered for a "sudden and non-suspicious" death. Former Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard died in May at 28 due to an accidental mix of alcohol and the painkiller oxycodone.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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