NHL’s Stephen Peat Died At Age 44
The hockey world mourns the death of one of its players, Stephen Peat who had died a Tragic Death due to an accident he sustained in the past month. Fans and his organisation gathered, expressing their heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Stephen Peat Profile
Stephen Boyd Peat was a professional Canadian ice hockey player – a right winger. He played about 4 seasons between 2004 and 2005 in the National Hockey League. Stephen Peat played in 130 games over parts of four NHL seasons with the Capitals. He had eight goals and two assists while his prime responsibility was to be an enforcer (234 penalty minutes).
After he retired from hockey, Stephen Peat began to abuse drugs trying to manage his chronic headaches, got estranged from his family, and was homeless in 2017 on the streets of Surrey and Langley BC, finding a temporary place he could lay his head for every night. He struggled to find a job while bouncing between the couches of his friends and the cab of his truck.
The struggles had brought Peat to national attention seven years ago as he spoke openly about how his life had been so far since he retired from hockey in 2007. He had been in and out of rehabilitation centres battling mental health and addiction issues.
Stephen Peat Involved In A Tragic Accident
Stephen Peat died on September 12 due to a car accident when he tried to cross a pedestrian on 30th August in Langley BC. The Langley Police Department had announced a road user being hit by a car at 4:15 AM on 30th August but couldn’t identify the victim as Stephen Peat. However, a friend of Stephen Peat, Howie Zaron told the police that the victim was his long-time buddy.
The NHL Alumni Association took to their X account on Thursday, to express their condolences to the family of Stephen Peat. They wrote “The NHL Alumni Association is heartbroken to learn that Stephen Peat has passed away from his injuries after a tragic accident just over two weeks ago. He was only 44 years old.”
“Stephen was drafted 32nd overall by the @AnaheimDucks in 1998. In 2000, he was traded to the @Capitals and would play in 130 regular-season games, scoring 10 points for the franchise. Peat finished his pro career in the AHL following the 2006-07 season.”
“In the wake of this tragic accident, Stephen will be helping to save numerous lives through organ donation. We send our deepest condolences to Stephen’s family, friends, and former teammates during this difficult time.”
Here are a few reactions from fans concerning the death of Stephen Peat;
FFS commented “So sad. 💔 Rough few weeks for the hockey community.”
David Wiebe reacted “Stephen Peat’s tragic story serves as a grim reminder that, unlike most professional sports leagues, @NHL has essentially turned a blind eye to its concussion problem. And it is a problem. The NHL and Gary Bettman continue to ignore the CTE connection”
Jesse also reacted “ Very sad news. His fight against PJ Stock was one of the best I’ve ever seen”
Amanda Trevo2 also commented “As a Nashville Predators fan, Smashville sends their condolences to both the family and both teams. As an organ transplant patient, Even though your loved one has passed. A part of them will be living on.”
Fred commented “They don’t say what the accident was but I know he was down on his luck; potentially suffering from CTE-related issues. God Bless him”
Maureen Norvall also reacted “RIP Stephen Peat. One of the first players I met when I started in hockey ops in Anaheim. Always a nice guy.”
AK commented “😔My sympathies and condolences to him and his family. 🏒”
