Former NHL Player-Turned Firefighter Dies During Rec League Game At 38

Former NHL player who later became a firefighter, Raymond Sawada, passed away on April 10, at the age of 38.

Sawada was playing recreational hockey at the Richmond Ice Centre in British Columbia when he collapsed on the bench and suffered a heart attack.

Despite efforts to revive him, he could not be saved.

Former Belfast Giant Raymond Sawada, has died age 38. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family pic.twitter.com/L2dqmiGjbv

— Dailyeihl (@dailyeihl) April 11, 2023

Sawada had just celebrated his daughter's birthday before the game, and his sudden death has left his wife and two daughters in mourning.

Sawada played for the Richmond Sockeyes in the early 2000s and also played in the NHL for the Dallas Stars, appearing in 11 games. He spent most of his professional career in the American Hockey League and played abroad in Finland, Great Britain, and Japan before retiring in 2016 to become a firefighter with the Burnaby Fire Department.

It is with heavy hearts we mourn the passing of former Stars player, Raymond Sawada.

Our love goes out to his family, friends, and all the people he impacted in hockey and as a firefighter in his community. 💚 pic.twitter.com/x2vuOinbJ4

— x - Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 12, 2023

The Richmond Sockeyes expressed their sadness and shock over the loss of their former teammate and plan to retire Sawada's jersey and establish a scholarship in his name to honor his memory. Sawada was also a devoted coach to his daughters and had given back to hockey through his involvement with the Sockeye alumni.

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support Sawada's family, which has already surpassed its original goal of $50,000.

The NHL Alumni Association is heartbroken to learn that Raymond Sawada has passed away at the young age of 38.

Sawada was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2004 @NHL Entry Draft to the @DallasStars. He played 11 games with the team, scoring a point.

Raymond’s love for the game… pic.twitter.com/UTNmWGYEcc

— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) April 12, 2023

The Burnaby Fire Department, where Sawada worked, expressed their condolences and offered support to the family. Sawada was remembered as a great person who was passionate and dedicated in everything he did, both on and off the ice. Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports