Former NHL Defenseman Steve Montador Dead at 35

The hockey world is mourning the death of former NHL defenseman Steve Montador after he was found unconscious in his Mississauga, Ontario home and was pronounced dead shortly after police arrived on the scene. He was 35 years old.

Police responded to a 911 call around 2am but attempts to revive Montador were unsuccessful. “We are not treating it as anything criminal,” Peel Regional Police spokeswoman Fiona Thivierge said. “It’s a sudden death, so there’s nothing to indicate anything untoward, just natural causes as far as we know.”

Montador, who was undrafted and played 10 seasons in the NHL with six different teams, last played with Chicago during the 2011-12 season. He was unable to play during the 2012-13 season after suffering a concussion in February 2012 and had suffered depression as a result of the injury.

Prior to landing in Chicago, Montador also spent time with the Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres. Both former teammates and coaches were saddened to learn of Montador’s untimely death, with several offering kind words in regards to Montador’s contribution to hockey.

“He was a leader in the locker room. He did a lot for the union on our team, and then league-wide,” said Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp. “He was friendly withe everybody and a great teammate. It’s really disappointing to hear the news before the game.”

A Vancouver native, Mondator had 33 goals and 98 assists in 571 career games. In August 2013, he signed a one year contract to play in Croatia for the Russian KHL league. He retired after playing just 11 games for the Medveščak Zagreb due to lingering effects from concussions.