RYP

Reports are now pouring in that Rick Rypien was found dead in his Alberta home earlier today. There is no cause of death yet, but you can't help but equate the situation to that of Boogaard and remember all the personal issues that Rypper struggled with throughout his hockey career. It was clear that Rypien had some demons, and it was always one of the great fears floating in the back of my head that they would end up hurting his career and affecting his life.

Its easy enough to talk a guy up after he has died, and say how you always loved him, but Rypien really was my favorite fighters in the NHL, and at his prime was probably one of the best pound for pound fighters all-time. I wish he could've played more; there was nothing I liked more that to see Rypien pummelling the hell out of Sortini or Gill or whoever was stupid enough to try and fight him that night.

He is truly a Canuck and will always be. The fact he wasn't a part of the organization at his time of death does nothing to diminish that in my mind. He battled and bled for the Canucks and for that I say Thank you Rypper on behalf of Canucks nation. I doubt we will ever have a fighter as fearless as you, or a person as determined and courageous.

Rest in Peace Rick, you will be dearly missed.