Kyle Calder, a former NHL forward who played for ten seasons, has died at the age of 47. The news of his passing on June 15 was confirmed by his daughter, Madison, in an Instagram post.
Calder’s NHL career spanned from 1999 to 2010, during which he played 590 regular-season games. He was part of five different teams including the Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Anaheim Ducks. He scored 114 goals and accumulated 294 points throughout his career.
The announcement of his death prompted tributes from former teams and teammates on June 16. Daniel Carcillo, a former teammate, shared on Instagram, “Your dad’s warm and loving spirit will live on with thousands of people that he touched, Madison, including me. Beautiful tribute to a wonderful man.”
The Chicago Blackhawks expressed their condolences in a statement from the Wirtz family and the organization, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Kyle Calder. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Calder family during this time.”
The Anaheim Ducks also released a statement saying, “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Kyle, a great man and valued teammate. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Kyle’s family, loved ones and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Similarly, the Los Angeles Kings stated, “Our hearts are with the Calder family and loved ones over Kyle’s passing. An accomplished player and consummate teammate, Kyle was a steward for Southern California youth hockey players, and his loss is being felt throughout our local community.”
Patrick O’Neal, a former Kings broadcaster, remembered Calder as “everything you love about hockey players. Just a great guy and I’m so sad about this terrible news. Prayers to the Calder family. Kyle will always be one of a kind.”
Chris Pronger, a former Ducks defenseman, expressed his sadness on X, “Saddened to learn of the passing of Kyle Calder. The hockey community has lost some incredible humans this year. A great teammate and friend to all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”