Stephen Peat puckering his lips
Photo credit: Times Colonist

The National Hockey League is mourning another loss, as the great Stephen Peat, NHL enforcer, has tragically died aged 44 after an accident.

Former NHL enforcer Stephen Peat, who has played for the Washington Capitals and Anaheim Ducks, is now dead at 44 years old following an injury from a tragic accident two weeks ago, the NHL Alumni confirmed.

Stephen Peat, born in British Columbia and residing in Princeton, has etched his presence not just on the ice, but through his selfless act of organ donation, where he has saved many lives.

A 32nd overall draft choice of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, Stephen Peat had established his hockey career within the WHL with the Red Deer Rebels, Tri-City Americans, and Calgary Hitmen. A noted tough man, he notched 53 points and a whopping 615 penalty minutes in 203 WHL games.

Stephen Peat spent time in the AHL with the Portland Pirates, Washington’s affiliate, before making his NHL debut with the Capitals in the 2001-02 season. He played in 130 games with the Capitals, amassing 10 points and 234 penalty minutes as an enforcer. During the 2004-05 NHL Lockout, Peat played with the Danbury Trashers, a team featured in the Netflix documentary ‘Untold: Crimes and Penalties’.

Stephen Peat’s contribution to hockey and the selfless call of answering to donate his organs will always be remembered. Rest in peace big guy.