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| Belak and his family in 2006 |
It was a horrible day in the NHL as Wednesday afternoon, police found former Leaf tough guy and loveable personality, Wade Belak dead in a condo at the One King Street West hotels and residences in Toronto. Wade has been working on radio and as an in-game reporter for the Predators. Arthritis in his hip had made it impossible for him to resume his playing career, retiring last year.
Belak becomes the third NHL enforcer to pass away since May; with the likes of Rick Rypien and Derek Boogaard also passing away. Belak knew of his enforcer role commenting "On nights you knew you had to fight, there were nerves, you never slept the night before. But you dealt with it or you didn't. You don't really get over it, you just go out and do your job." During his time here in Toronto he was undoubtedly a fan favourite and a hit in the dressing room as he just seemed to ooze with charisma; even making daily call-in's to the popular Toronto radio station 102.1 The Edge.
In addition to working as an in-game reporter and analyst for the Predators; Belak was also gearing up to participate in the upcoming season of Battle of the Blades. A father of two young daughters, Belak was known for his loveable personality and willingness to go out and do whatever was expected of him on the ice. Belak once noted his favourite moment as a player as "Probably my first goal, and scoring my last NHL goal in Toronto, when I broke that streak (four years without a goal). Fans were chanting my name on the streets."
Belak becomes the third NHL enforcer to pass away since May; with the likes of Rick Rypien and Derek Boogaard also passing away. Belak knew of his enforcer role commenting "On nights you knew you had to fight, there were nerves, you never slept the night before. But you dealt with it or you didn't. You don't really get over it, you just go out and do your job." During his time here in Toronto he was undoubtedly a fan favourite and a hit in the dressing room as he just seemed to ooze with charisma; even making daily call-in's to the popular Toronto radio station 102.1 The Edge.
In addition to working as an in-game reporter and analyst for the Predators; Belak was also gearing up to participate in the upcoming season of Battle of the Blades. A father of two young daughters, Belak was known for his loveable personality and willingness to go out and do whatever was expected of him on the ice. Belak once noted his favourite moment as a player as "Probably my first goal, and scoring my last NHL goal in Toronto, when I broke that streak (four years without a goal). Fans were chanting my name on the streets."
