Former NHL Enforcer Dead After Tragic Accident
The NHL is reeling right now after the loss of yet another fan favorite.
If you watch hockey, you know the fans love the enforcers on the team, and that is exactly what Stephen Peat was during his time in the NHL.
Sadly, he died after being involved in another tragic accident.
Gone Too Soon
Peat was drafted in the 2nd round of the 1998 draft, 32nd overall, by the Anaheim Ducks.
He never really caught up to the league in terms of expectations, but he did make the roster of the Washington Capitals in 2001, where he played through the 2005-06 season.
With a second-rounder, you would expect some offensive numbers, but Peat made his bones in the league with his knuckles, accumulating 234 penalty minutes in just 130 games.
If you do the math, he averaged nearly a penalty a game while only notching a total of eight goals and two assists in his career.
Goals are not why fans loved him, though… when Peat came on the ice, he was there for a purpose, that being to pound someone that messed with one of his teammates.
I mean, he averaged only 5:38 in ice time per game, about 30% of the average starter's time, yet he accumulated all those penalty minutes, and that is why the fans loved him.
He made it exciting, and he defended his people, a true enforcer at a time when that role was being weeded out of the game.
Sadly, about two weeks ago, he was involved in an accident, just before the death of Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau was killed alongside his brother in a horrific biking accident.
The details of Peat’s accident are not known, but the NHL Alumni did release a statement on his death.
It read, "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.
"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."
Rest in peace, sir, and thanks for all the entertainment you provided on the ice.
