Raymond Sawada, a former NHL player and firefighter, has passed away while playing recreational hockey on Monday. He is survived by his wife and two young children, aged 9 and 6, who will undoubtedly feel the pain of his loss deeply.
Sawada was drafted by the Dallas Stars as the 52nd overall pick in the second round of the 2004 NHL draft. Although he only played 11 games in the NHL for Dallas, he also played in several games in the American Hockey League for various teams. After a season with the Belfast Giants in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), Sawada retired from professional hockey in 2015.
Troy Stecher, a current NHL player, shared on social media how Sawada was an inspiration and an idol to him. The Belfast Giants also expressed their condolences, recognizing the loss of a talented player and dedicated firefighter.
