Former NHL Player Kyle Calder Passes Away at 47

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Kyle Calder, a former NHL forward, passed away unexpectedly on June 15, as shared by his daughter Madison in an Instagram post. Calder was 47 years old.

During a decade-long career, Calder played 590 regular-season games in the NHL, scoring 114 goals and amassing 294 points. He played for the Chicago Blackhawks from 1999 to 2006, then joined the Philadelphia Flyers in 2006-2007. Subsequently, he played for the Detroit Red Wings in 2007, the Los Angeles Kings from 2007 to 2009, and the Anaheim Ducks from 2009 to 2010.

The news of Calder’s passing led to an outpouring of tributes from former teams and teammates on June 16. Former teammate Daniel Carcillo expressed on Instagram, “Your dad’s warm and loving spirit will live on with thousands of people that he touched, Madison, including me. Beautiful tribute to a wonderful man.”

The Chicago Blackhawks, in a statement on behalf of the Wirtz family and the organization, shared, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Kyle Calder. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Calder family during this time.”

In a similar vein, the Anaheim Ducks expressed, “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Kyle, a great man and valued teammate. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Kyle’s family, loved ones, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

The Los Angeles Kings added, “Our hearts are with the Calder family and loved ones over Kyle’s passing. An accomplished player and consummate teammate, Kyle was a steward for Southern California youth hockey players, and his loss is being felt throughout our local community.”

Patrick O’Neal, a former Kings broadcaster, remarked, “Kyle is everything you love about hockey players. Just a great guy and I’m so sad about this terrible news. Prayers to the Calder family. Kyle will always be one of a kind. RIP Grease.”

Chris Pronger, a former Ducks defenseman, shared on X, “Saddened to learn of the passing of Kyle Calder. The hockey community has lost some incredible humans this year. A great teammate and friend to all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. RIP Kyle.”

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