Former NHL defenseman Steve Montador found dead at 35
The hockey world was met with sad news on Sunday.
Former NHL defenseman Steve Montador was found dead at his home in Mississauga, Ontario. He was 35.
"Foul play is not suspected, pending the outcome of an autopsy," Peel Regional Police Const. Fiona Thivierge said, according to the Mississauga News. Additionally, the incident is being treated as a sudden death investigation, not a criminal investigation.
Montador, who was undrafted, appeared in 571 NHL games with the Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres and Chicago Blackhawks.
His most successful run came with the Flames, with whom he played 20 playoff games in 2004, culminating in a Game 7 loss in the Stanley Cup Final.
He last suited up for Zagreb Medvescak of the KHL in 2013-14, following a season-ending concussion with the Blackhawks in 2012.
Upon learning the news, tributes began pouring in on social media:
It is with great sadness to learn of the death of former #Flames defenceman Steve Montador. Condolences to Steve's family. #HeartandSoul
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) February 15, 2015
So sad to hear the passing of my former teammate Steve Montador. I will always remember how good you were to me as a rookie Monty. #RIP
— Luke Adam (@LukeJAdam) February 15, 2015
RIP Monty. One of the better guys I have come across in the game. Truly saddened to hear of this. Keep him and his family in your thoughts
— brandon pirri (@pirri91) February 15, 2015
So sad to hear about the death of Steve Montador. Got to know him a few years ago and he was such a nice guy and true pro. Rest in Peace.
— Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6) February 15, 2015
R.I.P. Steve Montador. Sad to hear, great person and a great teammate.
— Jhonas Enroth (@JEnroth125) February 15, 2015
Sad to hear the passing of a friend and great teammate Steve Montador. #restinpeace
— Patrick Kaleta (@patrick_kaleta) February 15, 2015
RIP Steve Montador. Monty laughed a lot and made the rink a fun place. So sad. Just spent some time with him this summer.
— Ryan Miller (@RyanMiller3039) February 15, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Steve Montador this afternoon.
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) February 15, 2015
RIP Monty. You were one of the best I've gotten to play with.
— Bobby Ryan (@b_ryan9) February 15, 2015
So sad to learn of Monty's passing. Lucky enough to spend some time with him last week, it's crazy how quick things happen. Rest peacefully
— Erik Johnson (@6ErikJohnson) February 15, 2015
So saddened to hear of the passing of Steve Montador... Spent parts of 3 summers training with him under @bodybyobrien . RIP Monty
— Matt Duchene (@Matt9Duchene) February 15, 2015
We have lost a great Man. Honored to have called him and friend. I Hope life's brighter on the other side Monty! Rest in Peace
— Matt Beleskey (@Matt_Beleskey) February 15, 2015
Very sad day in the hockey world! RIP Steve Montador! Condolences to his friends and family.
— Brandon Dubinsky (@BDubi17) February 15, 2015
We're very saddened to learn of Steve Montador's passing. Our thoughts are with his friends and family today.
— NHL Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) February 15, 2015