Rick Rypien
Canucks forward known for hitting and fighting, died by suicide in 2011.
Richard Joseph Rypien was a Canadian professional hockey forward who spent parts of six NHL seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, from 2005 through 2011. He played a fourth-line role and was known for his physical play—hitting and fighting—even though he wasn’t built like a typical enforcer. After he died by suicide in 2011, the Canucks and the Winnipeg Jets launched a program to support people dealing with mental illness.
Rypien was born on May 16, 1984, in Blairmore, Alberta, part of the Crowsnest Pass municipality, and grew up in nearby Coleman, a town of about 1,000 people. His father, Wes, was a Canadian boxing champion who also played hockey, and his mother was Shelley. His older brother, Wes Jr., played in the WHL and later in the ECHL. Rypien was the second cousin of NHL enforcer Shane Churla. His cousin Mark Rypien was an NFL quarterback and Super Bowl XXVI MVP, while another cousin, Brett, played for the Denver Broncos from 2020 to 2022.
He started minor hockey with the Pass Rangers in Coleman, coached by his father, at age five or six. His favourite players growing up were Wendel Clark and Eric Lindros. During his second season with the Regina Pats, his girlfriend died in a car accident while travelling to watch him play in Calgary.
Rypien began his junior career in 2001–02 with the Crowsnest Pass Timberwolves of the AJHL, putting up 22 points in 57 games. That season he also played one game for the WHL’s Regina Pats, earning a spot as a walk-on after going undrafted in the WHL Bantam Draft. Over three years with Regina, he served as team captain. As a WHL rookie in 2002–03, he had 18 points in 50 games. The next season he improved to 45 points in 65 games. In his final year, he set career highs with 22 goals, 29 assists, and 51 points, and won three team awards: MVP, the Bill Hicke Award as fans’ most popular player, and the Molson Cup for most three-star selections.
Undrafted out of junior, Rypien was contacted by Manitoba Moose GM Craig Heisinger during his last season with the Pats. After his junior career ended, Heisinger signed him to an amateur tryout for the remainder of the 2004–05 AHL season. He scored a goal and an assist in eight regular-season games with the Moose, then went pointless in 14 playoff games as the team reached the Conference Finals. That earned him an AHL contract for 2005–06.
Quick Facts
- Height
- 5 ft 11 in
- Weight
- 194 lb
- Born
- 16 May 1984
- Birthplace
- Blairmore, Alberta, Canada
- Died
- 15 August 2011
- Place of death
- Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, Canada
- Position
- Centre
- Shoots
- Right
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Rypien began his junior career with the Crowsnest Pass Timberwolves of the AJHL in 2001–02 before joining the Regina Pats of the WHL as a walk-on. He served as team captain during his three-year tenure with Regina, and in his final season set career highs with 22 goals, 29 assists and 51 points, receiving team awards including most valuable player. Undrafted out of junior, he signed an amateur tryout with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL in 2004–05 and later signed a two-way contract with the Canucks in November 2005.
Rypien made his NHL debut on December 21, 2005, scoring his first goal on his first shot on his first shift. His career was marked by frequent injuries, including a broken fibula, a broken thumb, a partially torn groin muscle, a broken finger, and a sports hernia. He also took two personal leaves of absence from the Canucks, later revealed to be related to clinical depression. In 2008–09, he missed 70 games due to a sports hernia and the leave of absence. He returned to play in 12 regular-season games and all 10 playoff games that season, recording his first playoff point on a spin-o-rama pass.
In his first game of the 2010–11 season, Rypien was involved in an incident with a Minnesota Wild fan after a fight, grabbing the fan by the jersey before walking away. He was suspended indefinitely pending an in-person disciplinary hearing. Following the 2010–11 season, Rypien signed with the Winnipeg Jets but died before joining his new team.
Reader's Guide
Rypien's significance lies in his role as a fourth-line forward for the Vancouver Canucks who, despite not having the typical size of an enforcer, was known for his hitting and fighting. His career was frequently interrupted by injuries, and he struggled with clinical depression, taking two personal leaves of absence from the Canucks. His death by suicide in August 2011, before he could join the Winnipeg Jets, brought attention to mental health issues in professional hockey. In response, the Canucks and the Jets started an initiative to help others with mental illness. Rypien's legacy is thus tied both to his on-ice contributions as a physical player and to the broader conversation about mental health support for athletes.
Did You Know?
- Rypien scored his first NHL goal on his first shot on his first shift, against goaltender Jussi Markkanen.
- He was the second cousin of NHL enforcer Shane Churla and cousin of NFL quarterback Mark Rypien.
- Rypien was suspended indefinitely after grabbing a Minnesota Wild fan by the jersey following a fight in October 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Rick Rypien born?
Rick Rypien was born on 16 May 1984 in Blairmore, Alberta, Canada.
When did Rick Rypien die?
Rick Rypien died on 15 August 2011 in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, Canada.
What position did Rick Rypien play?
Rick Rypien's position is listed as Centre.
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