Stephen Peat, a fearless and beloved player during his time with the Washington Capitals, has passed away at the age of 44.
The former NHL enforcer succumbed to injuries he suffered after being struck by a car just over two weeks ago in his native Canada, per The Province.
“We send our deepest condolences to Stephen’s family, friends, and former teammates during this difficult time,” the NHL Alumni Association said in a statement, announcing the news.
The NHL Alumni Association is heartbroken to learn that Stephen Peat has passed away from his injuries after a tragic accident just over two weeks ago. He was only 44 years old.
Stephen was drafted 32nd overall by the @AnaheimDucks in 1998. In 2000, he was traded to the… pic.twitter.com/sjbWx3VuV2
— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) September 12, 2024
The Province added that Peat was hit by a car as he was crossing the road at 4:15 am on August 30.
“The car was traveling west-bound on the Langley By Pass as the pedestrian was crossing near Kwantlen Crescent,” the Langley Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a release. “The car collided with a 44 year old pedestrian who was transported to hospital with critical, life threatening injuries. The driver of the car remained on scene to speak with police.”
Peat, a native of Princeton, British Columbia, Canada, was drafted 32nd overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 1998 NHL Draft. The forward landed in DC in June 2000 after the Ducks traded Peat to the Capitals for a fourth-round pick. Peat signed with the Caps organization shortly after and spent the 2000-01 season with the team’s AHL affiliate, the Portland Pirates.
Peat made his NHL debut the next season on October 8, 2001 against the Boston Bruins and scored his first NHL goal on December 26 against the Philadelphia Flyers. He would suit up in 130 games for the Capitals between 2001 and 2006, registering 8 goals and 2 assists.
While Peat didn’t provide much offense, his work in the corners and with his fists made him a fan favorite during the Capitals’ Screaming Eagle era. One of the toughest players in the NHL, Peat fought 33 times during his four-year NHL career, dropping the gloves with heavyweights like Donald Brashear, Wade Belak, and Scott Parker. Peat fought a career-high 15 times during the 2001-02 campaign and finished his career with 234 penalty minutes.
“The Washington Capitals extend their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of former Capitals player Stephen Peat,” the Capitals wrote in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Notably, the former Capital played for the Danbury Thrashers during the 2004-05 NHL lockout. The enforcer concluded his professional career after the 2006-07 season with the AHL’s Albany River Rats.
Peat reportedly struggled in his post-playing career with symptoms consistent with CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), telling the CBC that he suffered from extreme headaches, memory loss, and an inability to focus for long periods of time.
“I can’t even describe [the pain] right now. My head feels like it’s gonna fall off,” Peat said.
His father Walter believed his son “self-medicated” with illicit drugs in the past.
Peat made headlines in 2015 when he was charged with arson for trying to burn his father’s house following an argument. He later pled guilty to a charge of arson by negligence in Surrey Provincial Court.
The Langley Advance Times reported that Peat lived out of his truck and would couch surf. He would spend long periods of time at parks to alleviate his headaches.
The NHL Alumni Association added that Peat is an organ donor and “will be helping to save numerous lives” posthumously.
From everyone at RMNB, we wish Peat’s friends and family our deepest condolences in this difficult time.
