Within four months, three hockey players have passed away- three young, seemingly healthy players in the prime of their lives.
First was Derek Boogaard. Then it was Rick Rypien. And the night of August 31, it was reported that Wade Belak was found dead in a hotel room in Toronto. The former NHLer was only 35 years old. Earlier today, AP confirmed that his death was a suicide.
Three players. Similar styles of play. All dead within a third of a year.
Clearly, something is very wrong here. I don't even know how to describe it or what to say. The NHL and NHLPA issued a joint statement today that is pretty succinct and nothing groundbreaking- just a promise to re-evaluate existing programs and do whatever they can to get to the bottom of this. Of course, that's all well and good. But with that comes the need to recognize just how many players in general, in the enforcer role or otherwise, who are in need of help.
With that being said, if you would like to try and help things out on a more general scale, my friends Alex and Sabrina have each designed tee-shirts, a portion of the sales of which will go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. If you can, please buy one and help out. And take a moment to send a little thought or prayer up to the three guys who have left this world.
Rest in peace, boys.
I have heard word that Cam Janssen of the Devils has said that depression comes with the role.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about anyone else, but I DO NOT like the sound of that at all.