Hockey world reacts to Wade Belak’s death

In the wake of the NHL’s third horrific tragedy this offseason, the hockey world is starting to understand the weight of today’s events and come to terms with the heartbreak. Throughout the afternoon, both current and former players, announcers, agents, and journalists have all shared the sympathy and exchanged their thoughts on Wade Belak’s passing today. The common theme is that Belak was an unbelievably kind man who was quick to share a joke and bring laughter to people’s lives. Once again, the hockey world has lost one of its own way too soon.

Instead of sharing my individual thoughts, here’s a sample of the outpouring for the man who leaves behind a wife and two children. If you have any thoughts, please feel free to share them in the comments.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney:

“Such sad news about Wade Belak. Always heard great things about him. Thought go out to his family. RIP.”

Calgary Flames’ statement via James Mirtle (The Globe and Mail):

“We are deeply saddened with the news of Wade’s passing. We are proud that Wade wore the Calgary uniform and we will always remember him as member of the Flames Family. We would like to express our sincere sympathies to the Belak family. This is a terrible loss of a vibrant young man; a man with great character who truly loved the game of hockey.”

Eric Francis from the Calgary Sun and Hockey Night in Canada’s Hotstove

Wade Belak RIP. This one’s tough. As good a guy as you’d meet. He was great for the game and teammates. Sadness and shock hits hockey again.”

St. Louis Blues’ radio play-by-play man Chris Kerber:

“Boogard, Rypien, Belak - Their deaths may be purely coincidental & no similarities but at least a Q of are there similarities must be asked.”

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Mike Commodore:

“I remember skating with Wade 13 years ago at a summer camp when I was 18 and in college. He was a pro, he worked hard, he was funny and he was extremely nice to me and he didn’t have to be. I was just a college kid. I looked up to him ever since then. You’ll be missed Wade.”

Former NHL enforcer Chris Dingman speaking about his own experiences:

“Terrible news about belak. Had many battles with him in junior, tough guy on the ice, great guy off the ice. My heart goes out to his family. People think sports, and most just see a lifestyle. It is really hard mentally and physically. Especially hard when your done. When your done, your left to let ponder, what do I do with, myself now? Tough to ponder... More needs to be done to ease the transition.”

NHL agent Scott Norton:

“Boogard, Rypien and now Belak? Maybe we should spend less time worrying how they play on the ice, and more time helping em cope off?”

“Sports leagues r so proud about war on#steroids, when we gonna wake up + realize that booze, cocaine + pain killers r killing our athletes?”

Newly retired NHLer Dave Scatchard:

“This is the worst summer I’ve ever seen with regards to tragedies in the NHL. I pray this all ends here. #RIPwadebelak. #Iwillmissumyfriend”

Ex-teammate Jordin Tootoo:

“Very sad to loose a great teammate and a better person in Wade Belak. The Tootoo family send his family all our thoughts and prayers.”

Another ex-teammate in Steve Sullivan:

“RIP Wade. Great father, husband, teammate and friend. You leave us way too early. You will be missed. Strength to your family and friends!”

Adrian Dater from the Denver Post and Sports Illustrated:

“Wade Belak death will bring changes to NHL. Good guy, good family, but the life is brutal for a fighter and self esteem is low. I’ve seen it”

Predators beat-writer Joshua Cooper passed along some of GM David Poile’s thoughts:

“Poile: “Everybody knew when Wade Belak was in the room because he was big, he was loud and he was fun.”

But of all the people who have already shared their thoughts, perhaps Bruce Arthur of the National Post said it best:

“But if he was a tortured enforcer, he was also a great actor of the age. I never met a happier-seeming guy in hockey. He always seemed at ease; he was freshly retired, and in town to appear on the CBC’s reality show, where he surely would have been the star. Except he’s dead, and hockey feels sick again, right to its stomach.

Of all the guys who play that increasingly anachronistic role, Belak was the last guy you expected to die young. He apparently told a Calgary radio station last week that he was happy and healthy, and his head wasn’t ringing. When he talked about his retirement with the Post’s Sean Fitz-Gerald last week, he said, “I thought about having a press conference, but I didn’t want to make an ass of myself.”