NHL enforcer Belak’s death met with sadness, shock

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TORONTO (NEWS1130) – A sense of disbelief seems to linger among those who knew former Maple Leafs enforcer Wade Belak, who was found dead in a Toronto hotel Wednesday evening.

Police haven’t yet confirmed a cause of death, but The Toronto Star reports police got a call about a body hanging in a room at the 1 King West hotel and condo where Belak was staying.

Meanwhile, there are reports saying Belak took his own life.

Belak retired from playing in the NHL in March, after playing for portions of 14 seasons. He is the third NHL enforcer to die in the last four months, after the New York Ranger’s Derek Boogaard was found dead on May 13 in Minneapolis and former Vancouver Canuck Rick Rypien was found dead in his Alberta home on August 15.

The 35-year-old Belak had been staying at the downtown hotel in order to train for the CBC show Battle of the Blades.

SportsNet Radio FAN590 talk show host Joey Vendetta says saw Belak Tuesday night in Yorkville and he was in good spirits.

“I saw Wade in Yorkville outside of Dimmi restaurant. I’d just had dinner and hadn’t seen him for a little while and I’ve known him for a long time and I’m friends with him. He looked the same as he always did – in a good mood, gregarious and fun – and he gave me a big hug. Nothing out of the ordinary. He was just his usual happy self,” said Vendetta.

Former Toronto Maple Leaf and SportsNet hockey analyst Brad May recently spent time with Belak as they both trained to compete in Battle of the Blades.

He spoke on SportsNet shortly after the news broke.

“I’m sick and I’m sad about Wade Belak. A phenomenal guy. It was so neat because we’re doing this Battle of the Blades together with a number of other players and incredible figure skaters, and Wade was going to skate for a charity that supported a foundation for one of his daughters. He talked to us the other day about his children – his two daughters – and his wife, how excited they were about this. And how much – cause we talked about our kids – how much he loved them. I’m sick about it,” said May.

Kirstine Stewart, executive vice president of CBC English Services, released the following statement, Wednesday evening, on the passing of Wade Belak:

“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Wade Belak. We send our thoughts and condolences to his family and  friends. He will be greatly missed.”

Jeremy Roenick told Prime Time Sports on SportsNet Radio FAN590 he was in utter shock after hearing the news.

“He did a lot of great things for the National Hockey League and for a lot of people. Wade Belak was a really giving guy,” said Roenick.

Last week, Belak spoke to The FAN960 in Calgary and said he was feeling good and was very fortunate not to have had any concussions during his career.

On Wednesday evening the Nashville Predators released the following statement:

“The entire Nashville Predators organization and family is shocked and saddened by the sudden and untimely passing of Wade Belak. 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.”

Gary Bettman, Commissioner of the National Hockey League, released the following statement Wednesday:

“The National Hockey League family mourns the passing of Wade Belak, who competed to the utmost every minute of his NHL career. Our hearts go out to Wade’s loved ones, his friends, his former teammates and to all who feel the horrible void left by this tragedy.”

The Toronto Maple Leafs released the following statement Wednesday on the passing of Wade Belak:

“The Toronto Maple Leafs are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Wade Belak. Wade was extremely popular with his teammates, the staff, and Maple Leafs fans everywhere. He was the consummate team player on and off the ice.  He will be deeply missed in the hockey community and our thoughts and prayers are with Wade’s family and friends during this challenging time.”

Belak played in 340 regular season and playoff games for the Blue and White as a defenceman and forward from 2001-2008.

During his professional hockey career, he also played for the Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators. He leaves behind a wife and two children.

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