Ex-Capitals Forward Stephen Peat Passes Away at Age 44

Former Washington Capitals forward Stephen Peat passed away from injuries sustained in a recent incident, as announced by the NHL Alumni Association on Thursday.

According to reports, Peat, 44, was walking when he was hit by a car on August 30 in Langley, British Columbia, a town approximately 30 miles southeast of Vancouver.

The Province reported that Langley police released a statement about a pedestrian being struck at 4:15 a.m. on August 30, but did not reveal Peat as the injured individual.

Howie Zaron, a close friend of Peat, confirmed to the Province that Peat was the one hit by the car.

Peat played in 130 games over four NHL seasons with the Washington Capitals. He tallied eight goals and two assists, primarily serving as an enforcer (234 penalty minutes).

In December 2005, Peat was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes but never played for the team due to injuries. He retired in 2007.

Following his hockey career, Peat struggled with concussions and addiction, and was homeless for extended periods in British Columbia.