Former NHL Defenseman Found Dead in Condo

(NewsCore) - Former NHL defenseman Wade Belak was found dead at his downtown Toronto condo Wednesday, the Toronto Star reported.

Sources said Belak, 35, died of an apparent suicide, the report said. An official cause of death for the Canadian hockey player has not yet been determined.

He was suffering from depression, according to CBC Sports.

Belak was selected by Quebec Nordiques with the 12th overall pick in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. He spent 14 seasons in the NHL, playing for the Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers and most recently the Nashville Predators.

"The entire Nashville Predators organization and family is shocked and saddened by the sudden and untimely passing of Wade Belak," read a team statement.

"Wade was a beloved member of the organization, a terrific teammate and wonderful father and husband who will be greatly missed.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Jennifer and children Andie and Alex. We offer our full support to them at this very difficult time."

Belak was the third NHL enforcer to die in the last four months.

Winnipeg Jets tough guy Rick Rypien, 27, was found dead earlier this month in his Canadian home, also from an apparent suicide. The former Vancouver Canucks forward was also reportedly battling depression.

Derek Boogard was found dead May 13 in Minneapolis. The 28-year-old former New York Ranger's death was ruled an accidental overdose of alcohol and the pain killer oxycodone.