RIP Wade Belak

[sh00n]

Shocking. What the hell is up with enforcers this summer?

This sure isn't going to help the NHL in regards to keeping fighting in the game.

[Nolan]

WTF man. Its being reported that it was suicide, but thats not offical yet.

Feel horrible for Belaks friends and family.

[sh00n]

I heard it was an accidental overdose, but nothing's been reported yet from what I see.

[WEFFPIM]

I heard it was an accidental overdose, but nothing's been reported yet from what I see.

Hanged himself.

Seriously, what the **** is going on this summer?

[ajaX82]

whoa. RIP my man.

3 enforcers to die in one summer makes you take notice. The toll on these guys may be way higher than most of us assume it to be

[Nolan]

whoa. RIP my man.

3 enforcers to die in one summer makes you take notice. The toll on these guys may be way higher than most of us assume it to be

No doubt. The NHL needs try and find a way to help these guys if the toll is really that harsh on these guys.

[OldNo7]

He was so happy all the time. He was on Toronto radio a lot, and was going to do Battle of the Blades soon... Huge surprise.

[Snayr]

The NHL definitely has to take a hard look at the events w/ enforcers this summer. I definitely did not see this Wade Belak death coming in the least. Wow.

[WEFFPIM]

It's amazing to me that the biggest sports outlet in the world isn't picking this up. Two of these deaths can be directly linked to concussion and safety issues, something they drool all over when it comes to football. But because it's the NHL, maybe the most important story of the year sports-wise isn't getting the attention it needs.

[ajaX82]

Apparently Belak hung himself. So sad

And I agree 100%, im shocked this isn't getting more attention. 3 players who play a very specific role in a major sport die in one summer...you gotta notice

[Nolan]

Apparently Belak hung himself. So sad

And I agree 100%, im shocked this isn't getting more attention. 3 players who play a very specific role in a major sport die in one summer...you gotta notice

Ya totally agree. This isn't even on ESPN's front page.

You know if you would told me you thought fighting should be banned from hockey 6 months ago I probably would of told you that that's the dumbest thing i've ever heard. But now I think its something the league should be seriously considering. Its really sad that 3 players dying in a summer is what it takes for the leauge/the fans to consider this.

And the thing thats so troubling with Belak is the fact that by all accounts he was happy with himself and his life.

[ajaX82]

I also have to wonder if this string of deaths is getting Bettman's office talking about a ban on fighting. Not saying it is likely right now, but I would be surprised if the convo hasn't taken place on some level

[WEFFPIM]

I also have to wonder if this string of deaths is getting Bettman's office talking about a ban on fighting. Not saying it is likely right now, but I would be surprised if the convo hasn't taken place on some level

Judging by their statement today, I would almost guarantee it's taken place. It has to. Say what you want about Bettman, but he's pretty good about making adjustments if deemed necessary. Here, whether it's on the ice or how things are handled off the ice, the league will do something. It needs to.

[Nolan]

^
Ya i'm positive that convo has already happened. Bettman's no fool he's going to do something about this, he's always been quick to react.

[WEFFPIM]

And think about how this offseason began. Mass riots in Vancouver, followed by three player deaths.

Worst offseason imaginable.

[Nolan]

And think about how this offseason began. Mass riots in Vancouver, followed by three player deaths.

Worst offseason imaginable.

This has been a crazy offseason. The riots, the Jets returning, 3 deaths, the whole Crosby situation and Michael Ryder denting the cup.

[Crowned]

This one really hit home for people in Toronto. Wade Belak was such an amazing part of the community, and definitely brought joy to his teammates.

I've met in him the past, and he was an incredible person. He was such a happy and genuinely nice guy. He did a lot of charity work in the community and took time out of his day to interact with children. Over the past few days, I've heard a tremendous amount of stories about him on the radio and internet about the general public's interaction with him on the streets. Listening to the stories was an eye opening experience. He was such an ambassador to the game. He may not have been the most talented player on the ice, but listening to stories about him interacting with sick children on his days off makes this tough to swallow for the community.

If you want to get to know the person that Wade was, tune into the Fan590 here in Toronto for 10 minutes and take a listen. Truly sad.

[Nolan]

Belak's mother just came out and said that Wade had been suffering from depression for years now and that it even dated back to his days in Toronto. She said he's been recieving treatment and that the family was under the impression that he had things under control.

[WEFFPIM]

Now they're saying it wasn't a suicide but accidental.

I really hope we're not going the David Carradine route.

[Nolan]

Now they're saying it wasn't a suicide but accidental.

I really hope we're not going the David Carradine route.

+1.