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Kyle Calder, who played 10 NHL seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks and four other teams, has died at age 47.
His death was announced by the NHL Alumni Association and his daughter, Madison.
"He was tough as nails on the ice, a fierce competitor who never backed down, yet behind that grit was a teddy bear heart," the Alumni Association said. "Kyle cared deeply for his teammates, friends and everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was a protector, a loyal friend, and someone who always put others before himself."
No cause of death was given.
"Dad, there will never ever be enough words in the world to describe how incredibly lucky I was to have you as my dad," Madison wrote on Instagram. "Never in a million years would I have thought this day would come. There will forever be a void in my heart, but forever a spot just for you.
"The father, husband, son, man, friend, coach, hockey player, and everything in between that you were is truly indescribable. The lessons you taught me, the strength you showed me, and the person you pushed me to become every single day – I carry all of it with me."
Calder was drafted in the fifth round by the Blackhawks in 1997 and played six seasons there. He twice topped 20 goals and 50 points, recording a career-best 26 goals and 59 points in 2005-06 season. He was an alternate captain that season.
He was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 2006 and then to the Detroit Red Wings, via the Blackhawks, later in the 2006-07 season.
Calder spent two seasons with the Los Angeles Kings and one with the Anaheim Ducks, signing as a free agent both times.
He finished his NHL career with 114 goals, 180 assists, 294 points and 309 penalty minutes in 590 regular-season games. He also had two goals and an assist in 18 playoff games with the Blackhawks and Red Wings.
He won a silver medal with Canada at the 1999 world junior championships and a gold medal at the 2002 world championships.
Calder coached youth hockey in his retirement.
"He took great pride in mentoring the next generation, and his impact on young athletes and their families will continue to be felt for years to come," the association said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kyle Calder, 10-year NHL forward, dies at 47
Continue reading...
His death was announced by the NHL Alumni Association and his daughter, Madison.
"He was tough as nails on the ice, a fierce competitor who never backed down, yet behind that grit was a teddy bear heart," the Alumni Association said. "Kyle cared deeply for his teammates, friends and everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was a protector, a loyal friend, and someone who always put others before himself."
No cause of death was given.
"Dad, there will never ever be enough words in the world to describe how incredibly lucky I was to have you as my dad," Madison wrote on Instagram. "Never in a million years would I have thought this day would come. There will forever be a void in my heart, but forever a spot just for you.
"The father, husband, son, man, friend, coach, hockey player, and everything in between that you were is truly indescribable. The lessons you taught me, the strength you showed me, and the person you pushed me to become every single day – I carry all of it with me."
Calder was drafted in the fifth round by the Blackhawks in 1997 and played six seasons there. He twice topped 20 goals and 50 points, recording a career-best 26 goals and 59 points in 2005-06 season. He was an alternate captain that season.
He was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 2006 and then to the Detroit Red Wings, via the Blackhawks, later in the 2006-07 season.
Calder spent two seasons with the Los Angeles Kings and one with the Anaheim Ducks, signing as a free agent both times.
He finished his NHL career with 114 goals, 180 assists, 294 points and 309 penalty minutes in 590 regular-season games. He also had two goals and an assist in 18 playoff games with the Blackhawks and Red Wings.
He won a silver medal with Canada at the 1999 world junior championships and a gold medal at the 2002 world championships.
Calder coached youth hockey in his retirement.
"He took great pride in mentoring the next generation, and his impact on young athletes and their families will continue to be felt for years to come," the association said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kyle Calder, 10-year NHL forward, dies at 47
Continue reading...
