Raymond Sawada was a Canadian ex-National Hockey League (NHL) player who was well-known for his skill on the ice. Unfortunately, his life was cut short on Monday, April 10th, 2023 which shocked the hockey community and his fans. Sawada was known for his hard work on and off the ice, his dedication to his teammates, and his steady commitment to excellence. Since, Sawada’s passing, many former teammates and coaches shared their memories of him and offered their condolences to his family. Keep reading the article to know more about Raymond Sawada, including who he was, how he died, what was the cause of his death, tributes for him, and much more!
Who Was Raymond Sawada?
Raymond Sawada was born on February 19, 1985, in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. He grew up playing hockey and was known for his strong skating ability and physical play.
From 2004 to 2008, Raymond majored in Applied Economics and Management while playing collegiate hockey at Cornell University. He was chosen by the Dallas Stars in the second round of the NHL Entry Draft in 2004 (52nd overall).
He played junior hockey with the Nanaimo Clippers in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and was later drafted by the Dallas Stars in the second round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
Sawada made his NHL debut in 2008 with the Dallas Stars and played a total of 11 games with the team before being traded to the Atlanta Thrashers in 2011. He played in 11 games with the Thrashers before being sent down to their minor league team, the Chicago Wolves. Sawada retired from professional hockey in 2014 and returned to Vancouver to pursue a career in real estate.
Throughout his professional career, Sawada played for a number of organizations, including the National Hockey League’s Dallas Stars and St. Louis Blues as well as the American Hockey League’s Texas Stars and Chicago Wolves.
How Did Raymond Sawada Die? Cause of Death Explained
Raymond Sawada, a former NHL hockey player from Richmond, British Columbia, sadly and unexpectedly passed away on Monday, April, 10th, 2023, at the age of 38.
Sawada apparently died on the ice “while playing the game he loved” just outside Vancouver, according to a GoFundMe campaign created by a family member.
The news of Raymond Sawada’s death was the one first confirmed by Clay Imoo’s passing, and he also penned a heartfelt note for him, saying
Raymond Sawada, a former NHL player and a friend of mine, tragically died playing hockey yesterday. I’m wishing Raymond peace and for the Sawada family as a whole.”
GoFundMe Campaign
After former NHL player, Raymond Sawada, 38, passed away unexpectedly while playing hockey on Monday night, a GoFundMe page has been created for his family to support them during this tough time.
Any amount, no matter how small, will go a long way in making a difference for Raymond’s family. Together, we can honor Raymond’s legacy and provide his family with the support and love they need. You may help the Sawada family by making a donation here:
To Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/n6y4z-in-memory-of-raymond-sawada
Tributes Emerged for Raymond Sawada
The news of Sawada’s passing was met with shock and sadness from the hockey community and his fans. Sawada was known for his hard work and dedication both on and off the ice, and he was remembered as a kind and humble person who always had time for others.
Topher Scott posted on Facebook saying, “Way too soon, one of the best people I know passed away. At our wedding, we stood at each other’s sides. If you knew Ray, you would recognize his smile. His contagious good vibes. His abs had 42 packs. His extraordinary work ethic. His compassion for others.”
The Hockey Page mentioned, “Raymond Sawada, a former forward with the Dallas Stars, died at the age of 38 from a heart attack. According to reports, Sawada had a cardiac episode while playing recreational hockey not far from his hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia.”
John Prendergast wrote, “Raymond Sawada was a wonderful person. Always had a great attitude and was laughing and smiling. I’m indescribably stunned and devastated that such a beautiful person left this world far too soon. I’m sure your family will miss you the most, but so many others will miss you.”
Raymond Sawada was a talented hockey player who was known for his physical play and hard work on the ice. He played for the Dallas Stars and Atlanta Thrashers during his time in the NHL before retiring in 2014. The hockey community and Sawada’s fans continue to mourn his passing and remember him as a kind and humble person who will be greatly missed.
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