Ex-Leaf Wade Belak dies

Former NHL enforcer appears to have taken his own life.
Police haven’t announced an official cause of death for recently retired NHL tough guy Wade Belak, but numerous sources indicate it was a suicide.
An autopsy will be done.
The Saskatoon native, who played 14 seasons for Nashville, Toronto, Calgary, Colorado and Florida, was found dead yesterday in a downtown Toronto hotel.
He spent most of his career with the Leafs and the team issued this statement.
“The Toronto Maple Leafs are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Wade Belak.
Wade was extremely popular with his teammates, the staff, and Maple Leafs fans everywhere.
He was the consummate team player on and off the ice.
He will be deeply missed in the hockey community and our thoughts and prayers are with Wade’s family and friends during this challenging time.”
Belak was in Toronto working on the new season of “Battle of the Blades,” and was also preparing for a broadcasting job with the Predators.
He’s the third NHL enforcer to die in four months and it’s raising concern if the deaths are linked to their role.
Georges Laraque, a former tough guy, says Belak was a worthy adversary.
Laraque says fighting is the hardest job in pro sports.
Winnipeg Jets forward Rick Rypien, who battled depression, was found dead earlier this month.
In May, New York Rangers forward Derek Boogaard’s death was ruled an accidental overdose of alcohol and oxycodone.
It’s not known yet if career stress contributed to their deaths.