August 15, 2011 — Vancouver, British Columbia The following statement is from the Vancouver Canucks: "It is with tremendous sadness that the Vancouver Canucks confirm the passing of Rick Rypien. Rick has been a beloved member of the Canucks family for the past six years. Rick was a great teammate and friend to our players, coaches and staff. We send our deepest condolences to the Rypien family at this most difficult time." And the Winnipeg Jets: "We are deeply saddened to confirm Rick’s passing. As many people are aware, he had strong ties to True North Sports & Entertainment, the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club, the former Manitoba Moose Hockey Club and the Vancouver Canucks. We would like to express our sincere sympathies to the Rypien family as well as Rick’s friends. We also appreciate all of the support that has come pouring in from Rick’s fans. Rick was a talented player with an extremely bright future. His hunger for the game made him a valued team member both on and off the ice. This loss has impacted us as more than just a hockey team." The wire report: Winnipeg Jets center Rick Rypien was found dead at his Alberta home on Monday, with the police telling local media there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the 27-year-old's death. Rypien signed a one-year, $700,000 contract with the Jets as a free agent last month after six seasons with the Vancouver Canucks. The Canadian had not played for the Canucks since last November when he took an indefinite leave of absence from the team for personal reasons. Rypien's 2010-11 campaign was marred by a six-game NHL suspension for an altercation with a fan in Minnesota in October. (Reuters) Do tears freeze on ice, or are they too salty? Hoist a glass; another one skates off into history. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! Rick Rypien: May 16, 1984 — August 15, 2011____________________ Notes: Vancouver Canucks. "Vancouver Canucks statement on the passing of Rick Rypien". August 15, 2011. Canucks.NHL.com. August 16, 2011. http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=555357 Winnipeg Jets. "Statement regarding passing of Rick Rypien". August 15, 2011. Jets.NHL.com. August 16, 2011. http://jets.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=586122 Shine, Ossian. "Winnipeg center Rypien found dead at home". Reuters. August 16, 2011. ca.Reuters.com. August 16, 2011. http://ca.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idCATRE77F0L120110816
Yeah, it's a shame. He'd been battling 'personal issues' for the better part of three years. It's unfortunate that he wasn't able to overcome them. He was a tough son-of-a-bitch on the ice. RIP Ryper.
