BREAKING: Former NHL player DIES during a hockey game
It is with a heavy heart that we announce that we have lost another member of our hockey family.
Former NHL player and Burnaby firefighter Raymond Sawada, sadly passed away on Monday while playing in a recreational hockey game.
Sawada was drafted by the Dallas Stars back in 2004, 52nd overall. He played in 11 games for the Stars registering one goal. He spent the majority of his career playing professional hockey in the American League and in Europe.
It was announced via the Belfast Giants Twitter page of his passing:
We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former Belfast Giant, Ray Sawada.
Our thoughts are with Ray's family, and the wider hockey family at this time.
Our thoughts are with Ray's family, and the wider hockey family at this time.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former Belfast Giant, Ray Sawada.
Our thoughts are with Ray's family, and the wider hockey family at this time.#WeAreGiants #OnceAGiantAlwaysAGiant— Belfast Giants (@BelfastGiants) April 12, 2023
Troy Stetcher who idolized Sawada shared the following message on Twitter along with a link to a gofundme page for the family:
Heart breaking news. Ray was an idol for a lot of Richmond Minor Players growing up. Not only was Ray a successful hockey player, he was a community hero and local firefighter. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Heart breaking news. Ray was an idol for a lot of Richmond Minor Players growing up. Not only was Ray a successful hockey player, he was a community hero and local firefighter. Thoughts and prayers to his family.https://t.co/T0VIyroTVY— Troy Stecher (@troystecher) April 12, 2023
The cause of death has not been announced at this time, but on behalf of House of Hockey, we would like to offer our sincerest condolences.
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