Wade Belak, an NHL enforcer who retired in March after clearing waivers, died this past week. Several media sources are reporting that the death was a suicide.
The 35-year-old journeyman jumped around the league playing for five different teams; his last team being the Nashville Predators. Besides dressing in Nashville, the 6-ft 5, 233-pound forward also skated with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, Calgary Flames and Colorado Avalanche.
His NHL career numbers include 549 career games, 1,263 penalty minutes and eight goals with 25 assists for 33 total points.
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Belak is the third NHL enforcer who has died since May and that has raised concerns over the health and mental state of these types of players.
The Winnipeg Jets’ Rick Rypien was found dead weeks ago at the age of 27 in what was suspected to be a suicide and he joined New York Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard who died in May from what investigators called an accidental deadly mixture of oxycodone (a painkiller drug) and alcohol.
Many enforcers who leave the NHL have a difficult time finding work but some do.
Joey Kocur landed a decent gig with his former team, the Detroit Red Wings, as a video replay coach, Matthew Barnaby had a great gig on ESPN and Belak was also headed to a life after the NHL. He was scheduled to work as a sideline reporter on the Preds TV broadcast team this upcoming season.
Here’s the Predators team statement that was released:
“Wade was a beloved member of the organization, a terrific teammate and wonderful father and husband who will be greatly missed. 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.”
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman talked about having the league review the substance abuse and behavioral health program after Rypien’s death. Now that Belak joins this group, it seems obvious that it’s time to do that. Normally the off season coverage of the NHL consists of trades, drafts and signings but this season has taken a turn with these bizarre deaths making the headlines.
Used with permission of the author.
Jay Donetelli is a Tampa-based freelance sportswriter and contributor to Sports Climax. With an opinion sharper than an Ovechkin skate blade with the sting of an Ali jab, Donetelli has a loyal cult of readers who have found a way to love him.
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