Former NHL player Stephen Peat passes away at the age of 44

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Finnegan Frost
September 12, 2024 (10:50)

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The NHL is suffering the loss of another player - former NHL enforcer Stephen Peat passed away at the age of 44.

According to Colton Davies of Daily Faceoff, It has been confirmed by the NHL Alumni that former Washington Capitals and Anaheim Ducks enforcer Stephen Peat has tragically passed away from his injuries sustained in a horrible accident two weeks ago. Peat was 44.

As the release points out, Stephen was an organ donor and thus has saved the lives of numerous people through organ donation.

As reported by Davies, The Princeton, British Columbia native was originally drafted No. 32 overall in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Peat spent five years in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Red Deer Rebels, Tri-City Americans and the Calgary Hitmen, amassing 53 points and a whopping 615 penalty minutes in 203 games. Peat was selected No. 3 overall by Red Deer in the 1995 WHL Bantam Draft.

Peat had a hard life after retiring from the NHL, according to CBC, Peate suffered through concussion related mental health issues, he failed to secure permanent housing, and lived in his truck for a number of years.

Peat's father has blamed the NHL for not stepping up to support his son, but the former player said the league is trying to help. He said an NHL representative has been in touch - even referring him to a neurologist in Vancouver - but keeping appointments has been challenging because of his living conditions and health challenges.

Peat also became prominent after his NHL career, being featured on a Netflix documentary «Untold: Crimes and Penalties».

Oilers Insider send their condolences to the Peat family.

Source: Daily Faceoff
Former NHLer Stephen Peat passes away at 44