Police classify death of former NHLer Todd Ewen as suicide: Report

Former NHL enforcer Todd Ewen died on Saturday due to what police are classifying as a suicide.

According to CTV Calgary’s Amanda Singroy, police say Ewen died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. She also Tweets that Ewen’s family said the 49-year old battled depression for years.

Tom Stillman, owner of the St. Louis Blues, Ewen’s first NHL team, released the following statement on Sunday:

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Blue Todd Ewen. Todd was an outstanding individual who called St. Louis home and continued to devote much of his time to the game he loved. On behalf of the entire St. Louis Blues organization, our thoughts and prayers are with the Ewen family during this most difficult time."

Stu Grimson and Brett Hull, former teammates of Ewen's, expressed their condolences via Twitter:

Following his NHL career, Ewen set up roots in St. Louis coaching youth hockey and the Saint Louis University team until last year.

Said Grimson via text message to Puck Daddy:

"Todd was a good friend. He was a kind and caring husband to his beautiful wife Kelli and a wonderful father to their children. I knew him best as a teammate, willing to give of himself without reservation for the good of the group. He'll be missed."

Ewen was an eighth-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers in 1984. He played 518 NHL games and recorded 1,911 penalty minutes with the Blues, Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Mighty Ducks and San Jose Sharks. He earned a Stanley Cup ring as a member of the 1993 Canadiens.

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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy

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