Montador, defenseman for six NHL teams, dies at 35
Former NHL defenseman Steve Montador was remembered Sunday for being a solid teammate and for his work with the players union.
Montador was found unconscious in his home in Mississauga, Ontario, early Sunday morning and was later pronounced dead, according to the Peel Region Police. No foul play was suspected.
"Steve was a great person who quickly became a friend of everyone he came to know in the game; teammates, NHL club staff, the media and fans," Donald Fehr, the executive director of the NHL Players Association, said in a statement.
"Over the course of his career, he was an active member of the NHLPA and someone who I and our entire staff enjoyed working closely with. He dedicated a lot of his time to advancing the interests of his fellow players. On behalf of the players and staff, we send our thoughts and prayers to Steve's family and his many friends. He will be greatly missed."
Montador made his NHL debut in 2001 with Calgary and played for six teams in parts of 10 seasons. The Vancouver, British Columbia, native had 33 goals and 98 assists in 571 career games.
"The NHL family was saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Montador," Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "Steve's career was defined by a passion for the game and a determination that made him a great teammate as well as a respected opponent. We extend our deepest sympathies to Steve's family and friends."
Montador had five goals and nine assists in 52 games with Chicago in his last NHL season. He suffered a concussion in February 2012 and played in just one game the rest of the year.
"He was a leader in the locker room," Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp said after Sunday's 2-1 shootout win over Pittsburgh. "He did a lot for the union on our team, and then league-wide. He was friendly with everybody and a great teammate. It's really disappointing to hear the news before the game. We're going to support each other, support his family and all of his close friends, and get through it."
The Sabres and Blackhawks expressed their condolences in team-issued statements, professing a deep sadness over Montador's death.
"Steve was a passionate hockey player, a valued member of the Sabres family and a highly respected individual off the ice. Our thoughts and condolences are with Steve's family and friends during this difficult time," Buffalo said in its release.
Said the Blackhawks: "With deep sadness we mourn the unfortunate loss of former Blackhawk Steve Montador. We join the many others throughout the NHL in keeping Steve's family and friends in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
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
#FlaPanthers hold moment of silence for Steve Montador (2005-08) before Sunday's game; photo courtesy of @DavidDwork pic.twitter.com/i8Z3yftGEA
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) 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
