Stephen Peat, born in Princeton, British Columbia, was once a formidable force in the NHL as a right winger for the Washington Capitals. Known for his role as an enforcer, Peat’s journey through professional hockey was one of grit, determination, and physical sacrifice.
Peat’s hockey career began when he was drafted 32nd overall by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 1998. After a trade to the Capitals, he made his NHL debut in 2001, quickly establishing a reputation for being quick to drop the gloves and defend his teammates. Over the course of four seasons, Peat played 130 games, during which time he endured numerous injuries, including a broken hand, concussions, and damage to his pelvis and neck. These injuries ultimately led to his departure from professional hockey in 2007.
However, Peat’s life after hockey was marked by struggles. He began suffering from severe headaches and cognitive difficulties, which both he and his family attributed to the concussions he sustained during his playing days. His physical and mental health issues took a toll on his personal life, and in 2015, Peat faced arson charges after an incident that resulted in his father’s house burning down. Though Peat and his father claimed the fire was accidental, the event deepened his struggles, leading to estrangement from his family and a period of homelessness.
In a poignant interview in 2016, Peat reflected on his love-hate relationship with the sport: “Hockey’s been the greatest thing in my life, but it’s also been the worst thing in my life. It was great while I was playing, but what has it done lately?”
Tragically, Peat’s life came to a sudden end in 2024 at the age of 44, following a serious accident. The NHL community, former teammates, and fans have since paid tribute to the enforcer, whose life was defined by both his strength on the ice and his hardships off it.