Stephen Peat, former NHL enforcer with the Capitals, dies as a result of a tragic accident
Stephen Peat, a former NHL forward who played four seasons for the Washington Capitals, has tragically died as a result of an accident he sustained two weeks ago.
Peat was 44 years old.
“The NHL Alumni Association is deeply saddened to learn that Stephen Peat passed away from his injuries following a tragic accident just over two weeks ago,” the NHL Alumni said in a statement on Thursday. “He was only 44 years old.”
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“Following this tragic accident, Stephen will help save many lives through organ donation. We extend our deepest condolences to Stephen’s family, friends and former teammates during this difficult time.”
The nature of the accident involving Peat was not disclosed.
Peat, a second-round draft pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 1998, was known as an enforcer in the 130 games of his NHL career.
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The Canadian began his professional career in the WHL, where he played for the Red Deer Rebels, Tri-City Americans and Calgary Hitmen for five seasons, scoring a total of 11 goals and 36 assists in 203 games.
He eventually moved from the Ducks to the Capitals, where he made his NHL debut in the 2001/02 season. Before getting the call, he played for the Portland Pirates in the AHL.
During his time with the Capitals, Peat bounced back and forth between the NHL and AHL, but when he was with the big club, he scored eight goals and two assists, as well as racking up 234 penalty minutes as he made sure to make his presence felt on the ice.
Peat finally ended his career in the 2006–07 season, playing only one game for the New Jersey Devils’ AHL affiliate, the Albany River Rats.
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Peat’s death came shortly after another tragedy in the NHL, when Columbus Blue Jackets starter Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew Gaudreau were killed Salem County, New Jerseywhen they were hit by a suspected drunk driver while cycling. They died on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding.
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