RIP Ryp

I saw a tweet the other day talking about how someone heard that Rick Rypien had passed away. My first thought was that David Guetta has apparently died four or five times, you simply hope that it’s some sick rumor. Slowly, but surely though, more tweets followed, a few text messages, and then the confirmation. His sudden death revealed by a family member finding his body.

They often say that those that hit the hardest often hurt the most. Nothing seems to be more true about Rypien. A guy who was liked by the room and fans alike, but clearly had a number of demons to fight as he took two periods of leave from the organization.

I remember going to games and a Rick Rypien fight got the same reaction as a goal. The crowd would come alive in response to his fearless response to the role of agitator/enforcer.

Tha Vancouver Canucks organization has faced it’s share of adversity and tragedy. Luc Bourdon, Taylor Pyatt’s fiancé, and now Rypien. This team and city seems to get endless reminders that life is simply too short, even if you’re a talented hockey player, with a stream of cash.