The hockey world was saddened to find out that former NHL defenceman, Steve Montador, 35, was found deceased at his Mississauga home early Sunday morning. He was found by his female friend around 2:00 a.m. EST. who called the police immediately. He was later pronounced dead at 2:30 AM. Police in the area don’t suspect foul-play, pending on the autopsy due to the sudden nature of Montador’s passing as well as his age. Currently the incident is being treated as a sudden death investigation, not a criminal investigation.
It's with sadness that I just learn the passing of Steve Montador. He was 35 years old. He played 571 games in the NHL.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) February 15, 2015
The undrafted Vancouver native began his NHL career with the Calgary Flames in 2001-02. He went on to later play with the likes of the Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres and the Chicago Blackhawks. Chicago would be the last destination in the NHL in 2011-12 before sustaining a concussion that ended his season early. The following season Montador played with Chicago’s AHL affiliate, the Rockford Ice Hogs for 14 games before the Blackhawks decided to buy out the remainder of his contract.
Montador played 571 career NHL games amassing 33 goals, 78 assists, and 807 PIMs over that time. More than his stats though, he was a solid stay-at-home defender, who played with grit and toughness throughout his career.
His last pro season was spent playing for Medvescak Zagred in the KHL, where he picked up three assists in 11 games.
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Main Photo via Getty Imeages/NHL
