Wade Belak found dead

[wrangler 157]

Three becomes significant when they occur within a 4 month period and you're talking about 2 current and 1 recently retired player who all played a similar role in a league where each team only employs 1-2 of these guys at the NHL level. What I would like someone to gather is the statistics on the number of guys who never made it that we never hear about who have the same problems. Guys who fought to stay in the "A" or the East Coast league, what happens to them? Something to consider, with players so much stronger these days, this could be the beginning of a troubling new trend.

I'll have to disagree on this hypothesis, as no connection has been proven, and no statistical support has been shown. For what it's worth, consider that the numbers are larger than you state, as there are many individuals still living who have filled the enforcer role during their careers, and in many leagues. Also, the fact that 3 deaths, related or unrelated, occurred within 4 months, doesn't show anything, IMO. I'd think the relationship between the number of fights, years spent as an enforcer, etc., would be what you'd want to look at; not the timing of the alleged results, e.g., suicide. Prove a connection, including statistical relevance, and you've got something.

[chippa13 1844]

Forgive me if someone else has already brought up this point. But these enforcer suicides are most likely not from brain damage suffered from fighting. These players have probably been enforcers their entire career. Those who are enforcers a lot of the time are the way they are because they grew up in an abusive home and are more prone to violence, and fighting in hockey was their way of getting their rage out. So these players suffered from depression and whatnot probably because of their poor upbringing, not because of what they suffered form hockey fights. It's a much, much more deep rooted and complex issue with them and their pasts than just fighting in hockey.

Obviously, you've never read the book on Dave "The Hammer" Schultz. He had never had a fight until his first year of juniors and we all know how his career after that turned out.

I'll have to disagree on this hypothesis, as no connection has been proven, and no statistical support has been shown. For what it's worth, consider that the numbers are larger than you state, as there are many individuals still living who have filled the enforcer role during their careers, and in many leagues. Also, the fact that 3 deaths, related or unrelated, occurred within 4 months, doesn't show anything, IMO. I'd think the relationship between the number of fights, years spent as an enforcer, etc., would be what you'd want to look at; not the timing of the alleged results, e.g., suicide. Prove a connection, including statistical relevance, and you've got something.

No connection has been proven.........yet. I can guarantee that since Belak's death there are probably a handful of researchers trying to gather some data on the recent medical and mental health of fighters in the modern era to see if there is a correlation. However, gathering that information could be difficult, at best. Remember, we're talking about the tough guys in a macho game, how many have problems that they aren't seeking help with?

The timing is interesting because it raises eyebrows to the fact that there "could" be a very real and very serious problem. The fact that these guys are part of a certain subset of the league makes the possibility a bit more real. Had these been spread out over a number of years then people may not have noticed and thought to connect some dots but it absolutely warrants an investigation into the possibility.

[wrangler 157]

chippa13-

I hope we get some serious research on this. I, too, feel it's something we need to know. I agree that machismo may affect it, but there's been similar research on NFL guys, so I think we can at least hope for candor from hockey players. I agree that the proximity in time of these deaths may help drive a research effort, and I share your hope that it does.

[Jason Harris 31]

kerry Goulet posted a LINK on Facebook this morning that Derek Boogaard's brain has been donated to the Boston University team led by Dr. Robert Cantu.

[MLSman 22]

No connection has been proven? Need for further research? Please....a simple lookup on google will bring up a SUBSTANTIAL amount of research:

http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&biw=1160&bih=623&source=hp&q=head+trauma+and+depression&pbx=1&oq=head+trauma+and+depression&aq=f&aqi=g1&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=1244l7252l0l7460l26l20l0l9l9l1l497l2503l2.7.2.0.2l13l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=1fabc0eabec721ab

The fact is that there is a known relationship between head trauma and chemical imbalance. We don't need a hockey specific research study to prove any case. It was proven a long time ago...it's just politely ignored.

[ironic_chef 0]

I found this article very interesting. The author was a paramedic for ten years and is almost finished med school.

Many links within the articles to refereed journals, etc. documenting the correlation between concussions and depression.

[tro 4]

Don't want to spread rumours about a guys death, but my wife was talking to a former NHLer last night at her pub in Calgary, who played with Belak in Colorado/Calgary(same trade) and remained friends with him. He reaffirmed what PJ Stock had said, Belak died from hanging, but it was accidental, not suicide. Not confirmed anywhere, but that's what this guy said.

[willharris7 4]

I wonder if he was trying to get a high? A kid at my school died that way.

[team50 20]

Don't want to spread rumours about a guys death, but my wife was talking to a former NHLer last night at her pub in Calgary, who played with Belak in Colorado/Calgary(same trade) and remained friends with him. He reaffirmed what PJ Stock had said, Belak died from hanging, but it was accidental, not suicide. Not confirmed anywhere, but that's what this guy said.

That is not true based on what I know.

[Chadd 916]

Enough with the friend of a friend of a friend speculation.

[JR Boucicaut 3792]

Wow.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375694

[wrangler 157]

Yeah.

Sounds like there are some dark places that a lot of us have never been to. I hope it stays that way.

[team50 20]

That article is questionable at best. I'm not questioning Landsbergs own experience with depression, but I am certainly questioning the validity of his relationship with Wade Belak.

[JR Boucicaut 3792]

So, what DO you know?

[Jordan 13]

I think that the Landsberg is a fair assesment of how he saw things. More importantly, it is brave when you are in the public eye to admit your own frailty.

His article may cause someone to get the help that they desperately need and my even save someone's life.

[team50 20]

So, what DO you know?

In a previous article, written after Belak's death he proclaimed that Belak was so close that he was part of Landsberg's family. I'm just not sure that's accurate.

Drawing attention to mental illness is a good thing and again, I don't doubt his own personal struggle.

[chippa13 1844]

From time to time I have been accused of being a bit of a cynic but even I have limits. I don't know why Landsberg didn't make it to Nashville. There could be a million reasons and/or obligations. I'm thinking nothing would satisfy you in this case. Had Landsberg made it and eulogized Belak would you be doubting the sincerity of his words, the depth of his sense of loss?

[Tailboard Jockey 25]

Strangely Landsberg writes these articles but could not find his way to Nashville to pay his respects to a person he claims is an extended member of his family.

I know lots of guys who will not attend funerals. Some people handle them differently than you or I might. I don't believe it takes away from the love or respect that they have for the deceased.

[team50 20]

Agreed on both points. Upon reviewing my previous comments they are extremely cynical and out of character for me. I wish I could edit them, but the new MSH software will not allow me at this time it appears. I regret posting my views on a forum like this.

[JR Boucicaut 3792]

You can edit. Hover around the Multiquote button.

[RadioGaGa 162]

That Landsberg article blew me away. The part about keep the last text, that will never change to "R" kinda freaked me out. Regardless of his relationship with Wade...that was a brilliantly written piece that helped everyone have a look into the mind of a person with Depression.

I hope I never have to go through that...or be in the position of "...waiting for an R".

[team50 20]

You can edit. Hover around the Multiquote button.

Thank you. I received an error message using IE at work. No problems with Chrome.

[Kerry Goulet 0]

Hi Mod Squad Members! I have not been here for a while and there is no excuse. Jason Harris has helped keep me informed but it is not the same by being here live. JR and Chadd are doing a great job. I wanted to join in on the discussion of Belak, Landsberg and depression. First I knew Belak through my charity work with Shoot For A Cure and he seemed always upbeat. He was very supported of our cause and was always there for us. As for Michael Landsberg, he is a very sincere and loyal guy. In his position, which he is great at, people either love him or hate him. I love him because of his honesty and integrity and mostly he is always there to help cause across Canada!

He was a very good friend Belak and always spoke highly of him. Now to a topic I know personally. It is not easy to talk about depression because once you admit you have it, you are a marked man. Guys, I have lived with it for 6 months and it was ugly when I was 30. My depression was partly caused by not managing a concussion 18 months erlier. My mind was in places I do not wish anyone's to be. Important with depression, it is dark. Best thing you can do when you have depression is be honest and communicate with your love ones. Michael has been criticized lately about his show on depression, well I applaud him as I do Ron Ellis. If you have ever suffered from this disease and got through unmarked then why can't you talk about it? By us having the courage to open up and share our feelings we should never be marked or called weak. I work tirelessly with concussed individuals and we must realize that these people have damaged their brains. It is unfortunate that this injury is invisible, you can't touch it, feel it or smell it. Break a leg or arm and there is a cast; break a brain, darkness. It is very complex and we need to be more understanding and compassionate. I promise over the next week I will post more on this very important issue. Dialogue is the best cure because we get education from it!

[jds 20]

Well said 29sports. Been there myself. Not fun.

[ktang 34]

Link to article: Belak family says death was accidental

http://www.sportsnet...8/belak_family/