Former NHL player Raymond Sawada died on Monday, April 10, after having a heart attack while playing hockey, know more about his cause of death
He had turned 38.
Former NHL player Raymond Sawada dies during hockey match, cause of death, bio, age, wife, stats
Sawada was a forward for the Dallas Stars. He played in 11 games and scored one goal between 2008 and 2011. In 2004, he was taken in the second round of the draught. Even though Sawada only played a few games in the NHL, he had a big effect in the American Hockey League, where he played 287 games.
Dallas Stars mourn the passing of former player and firefighter Raymond Sawada
On Twitter, the Dallas Stars wrote, “It is with heavy hearts we mourn the passing of former Stars player, Raymond Sawada. Our love goes out to his family, friends, and all the people he impacted in hockey and as a firefighter in his community, 💚.”
It is with heavy hearts we mourn the passing of former Stars player, Raymond Sawada.
Our love goes out to his family, friends, and all the people he impacted in hockey and as a firefighter in his community. 💚 pic.twitter.com/x2vuOinbJ4
— x – Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 12, 2023
Sawada stopped playing pro hockey after a short time in the Asian League in 2016. He went back to his hometown in British Columbia, Richmond, to start a new job as a fireman. Throughout his life, he stayed committed to his community and passionate about hockey.
Remembering Ray Sawada: GoFundMe page set up in honor of late hockey player
Brianne Sameshima, who set up a GoFundMe page in memory of Raymond Sawada, wrote, “It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the shocking news of Ray Sawada’s sudden death. On the evening of Monday, April 10, 2023, Ray, who was 38 years old, died while playing the game he loved.
The NHL Alumni Association is heartbroken to learn that Raymond Sawada has passed away at the young age of 38.
Sawada was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2004 @NHL Entry Draft to the @DallasStars. He played 11 games with the team, scoring a point.
Raymond’s love for the game… pic.twitter.com/UTNmWGYEcc
— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) April 12, 2023
Doug Patterson, the president of the Richmond Sockeyes, a Junior B team, said that the Canadian player was at the birthday party for his oldest daughter before heading to the game. Which was held outside of his home city of Vancouver.
Troy Stecher and the hockey community pay tribute
Troy Stecher, who is also from Canada and plays defence for the Calgary Flames, wrote on Twitter, “Heartbreaking news. Raymond Sawada was an idol for a lot of Richmond Minor Players growing up. Not only was Ray a successful hockey player, but he was also a community hero and local firefighter. Thoughts and prayers to his family.”
The GoFundMe page also talked about how Raymond Sawada affected the lives of those around him. It called him a “bright light” who liked to travel with his family and teach hockey for his daughters. “Ray was passionately driven and motivated in everything he did, and the surrounding community will be left with a void,” the page said.
Raymond Sawada’s wife, Nicole, and his two girls, ages 9 and 6, will carry on after him. The hockey world and the people of Richmond are sad about the death of a popular player, father, and hero.
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