Former hockey player Stephen Peat – who played more than 100 games in the NHL – has tragically died at the age of 44.
The Canadian, who was drafted 32nd overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 1998, reportedly died from his injuries following a tragic accident last month.
It comes just days after the hockey world was rocked by the death of Johnny Gaudreau at the age of just 31.
The news was confirmed by the NHL Alumni Association on Thursday. A statement said the organization was ‘heartbroken to learn that Stephen Peat has passed away from his injuries after a tragic accident just over two weeks ago.’
The NHL Alumni did not shed any more light on the incident involving Peat, who was traded to the Washington Capitals in 2000.
Canadian former NHL player Stephen Peat has tragically died at the age of 44
He went on to play 130 regular-season games for the franchise scoring 10 points. Peat finished his professional career in the American Hockey League, hanging up his skates after the 2006/07 season.
The Capitals paid tribute to Peat with a statement on social media.
‘The Washington Capitals extend their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of former Capitals player Stephen Peat,’ the team said. ‘Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.’
NHL Alumni, meanwhile, revealed that ‘in the wake of this tragic accident, Stephen will be helping to save numerous lives through organ donation.’
Late last month, Gaudreau and his younger brother Matt were killed on the eve of their sister’s wedding when they were hit by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles in New Jersey.
Both were pronounced dead at the scene, around 35 miles south of Philadelphia. Gaudreau, 31, and brother, Matt, 29, were set to serve as groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding.
Sean Higgins, 43, the alleged drunk driver accused of killing the siblings, was charged with two counts of death by auto after careening into them as they cycled along a highway in Salem County.
Family and NHL fans gathered to remember the brothers at their funeral Monday afternoon.
Mourners packed into St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania for the service, which took place less than two weeks after the fatal accident.
The brothers’ widows grave tearful tributes to their husbands on Monday, recalling the close bond they shared as siblings and their dedication to family.
Johnny’s wife, Meredith Gaudreau, also revealed that she is pregnant with their third child.
‘I still feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be his wife,’ Meredith said during a heartbreaking speech. ‘He was and still is my soulmate.’
Matthew’s wife, Madeline Gaudreau, who is pregnant with their child, recalled how the brothers ‘were attached at the hip.’
