Former NHL player Raymond Sawada died after suffering a heart attack at age 38 on Monday, his family announced in a GoFundMe fundraiser.
The Canadian winger — who played for the Dallas Stars in the 2008-09 season — was playing a recreational hockey game for the Richmond Cowboys when sustained the medical emergency, according to multiple reports.
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the sudden passing of Ray Sawada,” Brianne Sameshima, the organizer of the fundraiser wrote.
“At age 38, Ray passed away on the evening of Monday April 10, 2023, while playing the game he loved.”
Doug Patterson, president of the Richmond Sockeyes, a Junior B team, told Global News that Sawada was celebrating his eldest daughter’s birthday before he suited up for the game, which took place outside of his native Vancouver.
Sawada — a former second round pick (52nd overall) in in the 2004 NHL draft — played 11 total games, recording a single goal, before taking his talents overseas in the AHL.
“It is with heavy hearts we mourn the passing of former Stars player, Raymond Sawada,” the Stars said in a statement. “Our love goes out to his family, friends, and all the people he impacted in hockey and as a firefighter in his community.”
He played at Cornell University from 2004-2008.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of former Big Red captain Raymond Sawada ‘08,” Cornell’s hockey team wrote on Twitter. “Our deepest condolences go out to Ray’s wife Nicole and their two children, his teammates, coaches, and all of the many people who Ray positively impacted in his life.”
After retiring from pro hockey in 2016, Sawada went on to work as a firefighter for the City of Burnaby.
Fellow hockey players and fans are continuing to share condolences and tributes on social media.
“Heart breaking news,” Troy Stecher, fellow Canadian and defenseman for the Calgary Flames, wrote on Twitter. “Ray was an idol for a lot of Richmond Minor Players growing up.
“Not only was Ray a successful hockey player, he was a community hero and local firefighter. Thoughts and prayers to his family.”
Sawada is survived by his wife, Nicole, and two daughters, Victoria, 9, and Charlotte, 6.
“Ray was such a bright light in the lives he touched,” the fundraiser read. “He enjoyed traveling with Nicole, the girls, and family and friends.
“He was a talented hockey player and a dedicated coach for his girls. Ray was passionately driven and motivated in everything he did, and the surrounding community will be left with a void.”