Wade Belak found dead

[Guido]

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

The 35-year-old from Saskatoon was found in the tony 1 King West hotel and condo residence just blocks from the Air Canada Centre.

Belak retired in March after a long NHL career that included stops in Colorado, Calgary, Toronto, Florida and Nashville. He was recently announced as one of the ex-NHLers who would be performing on CBC's Battle of the Blades this year.

 

[George Costanza]

Another guy that took too many shots in the head.

 

[Analme]

Probably his best knock out!

 

[tboy]

shit that is crappy news....While he wasn't the best player toronto fans loved him. I remember when he hadn't scored a goal in almost 2 seasons and he put one in the ACC went nuts.....gave him a standing ovation, everything. I know a LOT were sorry to see him go......

Jesus, he hung himself...fuck.

 

[Nova5]

Belak killed himself, according to sources –very sad.


Toronto Maple Leafs tough guy Wade Belak played 42 games, amassing 178 penalty minutes.

 

[regularjoe]

Suicide: He retired recently, played only a handful of games last year, maybe he could not cope with life without hockey.

Sad, news , very sad.

 

[Maurice Boscorelli]

Depression is a terrible thing to go through and to frequently the victims see suicide as their only way out unfortunately.

 

[Trump]

You never would have known his state of mind during his many interviews. He always seemed so cheerful and upbeat.

 

[tboy]

You have to wonder what was the deciding factor to make him take the final step. If it was hockey there was lot's he could have done to continue his career in the sport. I mean hell, even the crappiest hockey player in the NHL is still a frucking awesome player. He could have coached kids, ran training camps, personal appearances etc. I mean there's been lots of ex leafs still doing them for local car dealers up here.

Even though I fully support someone's right to end their suffering if they feel it absolutely the only way out but still saddened by this. He probably didn't appreciate it but I kind of looked at him as the team mascot/underdog.

 

[Auggie]

I'd guess he was taking painkillers and they can alter your mood. They can't be taken with alcohol which is sadly a part of hockey culture.
Too bad, he seemed like a nice guy.

 

[Fullthrottle]

I heard that he had some sort of depression disorder.