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Wade Belak found dead at 35

Tragedy had struck the National Hockey League twice this summer in near unbelievable fashion with the deaths of Derek Boogaard and Rick Rypien.

Today, it struck again. Retired Nashville Predators enforcer Wade Belak was found dead in a Toronto hotel this afternoon at the age of 35.

Per the Toronto Sun (first reported by the Calgary Sun), and confirmed by the Predators:

Former Toronto Maple Leafs tough guy Wade Belak was found dead in a Toronto hotel Wednesday.

The 35-year-old from Saskatoon was found in the tony 1 King West hotel and condo residence.

The cause of death is unknown, and honestly, unimportant. Speculation can only be unproductive and disrespectful.

We’ll have much more on this, but the news is, quite frankly, stunning, and it leaves me at a total loss for words.

Wade Belak was an integral member of the organization and will be horribly missed. He was approachable in the locker room, active in the community, and l doubt you’ll ever find a funnier NHL player. “Beeler” had provided color commentary on multiple radio broadcasts with Tom Callahan, and was set to begin his own radio show on 102.5 the Game.

He leaves behind a wife and two daughters.

Rest in peace, Wade.