RIP Rick Rypien - Forever Remembered

Rest in Peace Rick Rypien, You will be forever be remembered.

Winnipeg Jets forward Rick Rypien was found dead on Monday in southern Alberta. He was 27.

The rugged centre had played parts of six seasons with the Vancouver Canucks before signing with the Jets this summer as a free agent.

Alberta RCMP spokesman Sgt. Patrick Webb said police attended a home in Coleman early Monday afternoon after a man was found deceased. Rypien's death isn't considered suspicious and has been deemed a sudden death.

"We are deeply saddened to confirm Rick's passing," True North Sports & Entertainment, the company that owns the Jets, said in a news release. "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 Canucks also released a statement on Rypien's death late on Monday night: "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."

Some NHL players used Twitter to offer their condolences to Rypien's family.

"Thoughts and prayers go out to Rick Rypien's family. Another good soldier leaving us too soon!" Michael Del Zotto of the New Rangers wrote on his page on the social media website.

"Rest in peace Rick Rypien. Another very sad day In the hockey world," Tyler Bozak of the Toronto Maple Leafs wrote.

Rypien is the second active NHL player to die this year. New YorkRangers forward Derek Boogaard died in May of a drug overdose.

Rypien had taken multiple leaves of absences last season to deal with personal issues, but the Canucks wouldn't say at the time why he'd asked for the time off.

In 119 career NHL games, he had nine goals and seven assists and racked up 226 penalty minutes.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound forward was known for being willing to take on all comers during his professional career and was a fan favourite in Vancouver and Winnipeg, where he played with the American Hockey League's Manitoba Moose.

He played his junior hockey with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League.

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• Rick
• Rypien
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• Vancouver
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• hockey
• suicide
• Alberta
• Jets
• tribute
• ceremony

[solorion]

This isn't a Canucks bashing video. This is a tribute to a wonderful man, friend, and teammate. If you've got nothing respectful to say, fuck off. Go find another video to show your disrespect in. Have some class for the sake of a man who died far too soon.

[odogfncha]

I wonder if Stortini attended the funeral?

[Metalfest44]

pound for pound probably was the best fighter in the nhl

[AssaultKalashnikov]

you wont get a tribute video this good about any other guy

[QBrealist]

Stud!



[dmdollinar08]

RIP Rick, never gonna give you up

[dsrevo79]

@shortthemkts no doubt marchand would touch teh sedins

[beastbeautiful1]

I miss him the Canucks just aren't the same any more

[gamemaster20421]

I thought he was gonna die in one of these

[Stamkosful]

R.I.P



[Airay552]

Only thing i didn't like about Rypien was him playing with the Canucks.

[EComp86]

I love you Rick. Im sorry about everything.. Everyone who talks smack, I'll fight in the fiscal form!