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Canucks Rewind: Looking back at Rick Rypien’s NHL debut

By Zaahid Lalani

VANCOUVER, CANADA - OCTOBER 17: Rick Rypien #37 of the Vancouver Canucks stretches during the pre game warmup prior to the NHL game against the Minnesota Wild on October 17, 2009 at General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, CANADA - OCTOBER 17: Rick Rypien #37 of the Vancouver Canucks stretches during the pre game warmup prior to the NHL game against the Minnesota Wild on October 17, 2009 at General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /
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Rick Rypien, Vancouver Canucks. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
Rick Rypien, Vancouver Canucks. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /

Unfortunately, Rypien commonly found himself a healthy scratch towards the end of his tenure in Vancouver. On July 2nd, 2011, Rypien parted ways with the Canucks and signed a one-year, $700,000 contract with the Winnipeg Jets.

During his six seasons with the Canucks, Rypien was remembered for his toughness, grit and physicality on the ice. Unfortunately, it was off the ice where he had to face the biggest fight of his life.

Early on in his career, Rypien was diagnosed with clinical depression. It was difficult and overwhelming for him to deal with, so much so that he had to step away from the game to receive treatment during the 2008-2009 season. He continued to battle his mental health issues for the next few years but ultimately lost the fight. Rypien took his own life on August 15th, 2011. He was one of three NHL players to commit suicide during that offseason.

Rypien, like others who are diagnosed, did not talk to many people about his depression. Fortunately, he was able to confide in teammate and friend Kevin Bieksa early on in his career. The hockey world was shaken when news broke of Rypien’s passing. But, for Bieksa, it felt like his worst nightmare had become reality.

The following season, the Canucks honoured Rypien’s life with a pre-game ceremony and tribute video on October 18th, 2011, with Rypien’s family and friends in attendance.

Since then, the Canucks organization has taken big steps towards ending the stigma around mental health. In 2013, they launched the Hockey Talks initiative, which is highlighted by the annual Hockey Talks night to help spread information about different mental health initiatives for youth and their families. The program grows each year, with other teams around the league joining to support the cause.

Rypien’s death still continues to impact the game of hockey to this day.

Just this past year, Canucks winger Tyler Motte shared his story about battling anxiety and depression, with the hopes that others would feel comfortable coming forward and speaking about their mental health journeys.

More recently, the Winnipeg Jets shared that forward Nate Thompson will be wearing no. 11 in honour of Rypien. Thompson, who also played with Bieksa in Anaheim, has previously battled addiction issues.

Next. The Canuck Way Mailbag: Hoglander, Miller, more. dark

It has been almost 10 years since Rypien’s passing, but his legacy will continue to live on in the hockey world. Rest in Peace, Rick.

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