Former Washington Capitals forward and enforcer Stephen Peat has passed away at age 44 from injuries sustained in an accident two weeks ago, the NHL Alumni Association announced on Thursday.
Peat, a native of Princeton, B.C., was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks 32nd overall in 1998. Before lacing up his skates in the NHL, he spent five years playing in the WHL for the Red Deer Rebels, Tri-City Americans and Calgary Hitmen, amassing 11 goals and 36 assists in 203 games.
He was dealt to the Washington Capitals in 2000 and made his NHL debut in the 2001-02 season after spending the prior year with the Portland Pirates of the AHL. He would bounce between the two levels for much of his professional hockey career.
Over four seasons in the NHL, Peat picked up eight goals and two assists in 130 games. More known for his physical style of play, he racked up 234 PIM.
Peat retired during the 2006-07 season after playing one game for the AHL’s Albany River Rats, an affiliate of the New Jersey Devils.