http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/story/2011-08-31/Ex-NHL-player-Wade-Belak-found-dead-in-Toronto/50208614/1
The Predators organization was not prepared Wednesday to learn that Belak, 35, was found dead in a Toronto hotel room. The cause of his death is still unknown.
According to the Associated Press, Toronto police spokesman Tony Vella said officers found a man dead when called at 1:40 p.m. EDT Wednesday at a hotel and condo complex. Vella said "foul play is not suspected in the ongoing investigation" into Belak's death.
He had been in Toronto to participate in Battle of the Blades, a CBC competition show that pairs figure skaters with hockey players.
Belak is the third NHL player from last season who has died this summer, and all three had earned a reputation as a tough guy. New York Rangers player Derek Boogaard, 27, died May 14, and Winnipeg Jets player Rick Rypien, 27, died Aug. 15. Boogaard died of an accidental overdose involving alcohol and a prescription pain medication and the cause of Rypien's death has not been announced, although it has been openly discussed that he suffered from depression.
The charismatic Belak had been hired to do interviews on the bench, plus post- and pre-game interviews on Nashville broadcasts next season. He planned to stay in Nashville.
As jovial as Belak was, he was a tough competitor, a 6-5, 225-pound heavyweight. According to hockeyfights.com, he had 23 fights as a Nashville player and his career high was 17 fights in a season for Toronto in 2002-03. He was known as man who stood up for teammates.
"He could go five games sitting out and go into a game and (fight) with anybody," Peterson said. "He was tough, and in great condition. I used to skate him extra when he didn't play a lot and he always had a good attitude and never complained. He did his job. He was so popular."
Belak, from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,
"He was popular with everyone because he was a likable guy," Helper said. "Quick to make a joke, often at at his own expense. Everything was always upbeat."
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