Longtime NHL enforcer Todd Ewen died unexpectedly on Saturday. According to a report, police are classifying Ewen's death as a suicide.
Late Sunday, Amanda Singroy of CTV Calgary reported that Ewen died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Ewen's family indicated to Singroy that Ewen, who spent 11 seasons in the NHL as a member of the St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks - he also spent one season with the San Jose Sharks - battled depression for years.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Blue Todd Ewen," Blues owner Tom Stillman said in a statement. "Todd was an outstanding individual who called St. Louis home and continued to devote much of his time to the game he loved. On behalf of the entire St. Louis Blues organization, our thoughts and prayers are with the Ewen family during this most difficult time."
This isn't the first time that depression and suicide have been raised as post-playing day issues in the NHL. Earlier this offseason Steve Montador, a 12-year NHL veteran who struggled with addiction, died unexpectedly at the age of 35. Examinations of Montador's brain after his death revealed "extensive" and "florid" damage, specifically chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE develops as a result of repeated head trauma and has also become an issue for the NFL where former players are suing due to their resulting health complications after their playing days have ended - Montador's family has begun the process of filing suit against the NHL. Multiple former NFL players, including Dave Duerson and Junior Seau, have committed suicide.
Ewen, a Stanley Cup-winner with the Habs in 1993, was a "loving husband and father," his family told Singroy. After his playing days ended, Ewen spent time writing and illustrating children's books.
