The rumors of him having to fight depression had been talked about since that second leave of absence he took last season. Signing with the Jets for this upcoming season was seen here as a way for him to restart his career in a place/amongst an organization and fans that know and support him. Rypien was a definite fan favorite here in Peg Sheety, many of us here considered him the quintessential "blue collar man's" hockey player. He ended up going undrafted as a Junior player, so he went around to various teams on his own trying to get a tryout. The (then) Manitoba Moose gave him one, and he made an immediate impression on the staff and other players here. Just one year later, the Canucks signed him to an NHL contract. Everyone here knew him for his fearless, aggressive style of play, especially unique for him since he was considered smaller than your average pro hockey player. The people here loved watching him play for the Moose, especially when he'd start (and win) a fight against an opposing player who was half a foot taller and probably 20-30 pounds heavier than him.
One of the many articles on Rypien in today's newspaper included a bunch of tweets made by several NHL players who played with and/or against him. Regardless of which side of the line they were, you can definitely say that NHL players on the whole are a tight-knit group.
"Sad to hear about Rick Rypien. I was looking forward to playing with him in Winnipeg. Thoughts are with his family and friends." -- Winnipeg Jets’ captain Andrew Ladd.
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"Unbelievably sad news on the passing of Rick Rypien. One of the toughest players I ever played against. Thoughts and prayers with his family." — Eric Fehr, Winnipeg Jets
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"Damn... Rick Rypien will be missed. He was the nicest guy, hung with him a few times in VAN... tough as all hell too. Thoughts to his fam." — George Parros, Anaheim Ducks
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"RIP Rick Rypien. He was a warrior. Hit me so hard my eyes couldn’t focus for 30 secs. Not sure if it was a left or right. #hitmewithboth" — Mike Commodore, Detroit Red Wings
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"Awful news about the passing of Rick Rypien, Rest in Peace." — Ray Whitney, Edmonton Oilers
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"Thoughts and prayers go out to Rick Rypien’s family. Another good soldier leaving us too soon!" — Michael Del Zotto, New York Rangers
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"Tough news to hear about Rick Rypien... another sad day for hockey. played the game as hard as anyone.. my prayers to him and his family." — Matt Moulson, New York Islanders
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"RIP RIck Rypien. Hockey world takes another hit. Thoughts with his family." — Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks
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Terrible news about Rick Rypien...thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family...always sad to see a death in the hockey world #RIP" — Matt Carle, Philadelphia Flyers
FULL ARTICLE LINK -
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/Rypiens-death-hits-NHL-hard-127864498.htmlR.I.P. Rypper. Hope you've found the peace you were seeking.