Alpine Credits' Blog

This was a sad week for Vancouver Canuck fans, as one of their devoted warriors passed away suddenly at the young age of 27. Rick Rypien dressed for the Canucks for the last six seasons. Over the summer, the remade Winnipeg Jets acquired his rights. On Monday, August 15th, he was found dead in his home in Alberta.

Rypien was never drafted by a NHL franchise. He was forced to prove his worth in the minors, eventually being picked up by the Manitoba Moose. After only one year in Manitoba, Rypien was given an NHL contract by the Vancouver Canucks.

Plagued with minor injuries, Rypien bounced between the two organizations for six years. Out of a possible 492 games, Rypien played only 119 for Vancouver.

During those games Rypien became a fan favourite. At 5′11″, Rypien was seen as a smaller agitator. But it was his unwillingness to back down from any competitor that won the respect of the Vancouver fans. His bout against Hal Gill was legendary. Gill was almost a foot taller, with a much longer reach, but Rypien held his own and managed to get in a few strong uppercuts. Neither of the combatants went down. But the fight proved the young players toughness. Fights like this landed him the nickname ‘the pitbull.’

But his consistent injuries started to take their toll.

Unconfirmed reports claim that Rypien had been suffering with depression for the last ten years. Two extended personal leaves of absence from the Canuck organization substantiate this. Both times, Canuck personal would not comment on the nature of the leave. Mike Gillis supported the young winger

His funeral will be held on Saturday in an arena in Blairmore, Alberta.

Finally at Peace - Rick Rypien