Former NHL Player Kyle Calder Dies at 47 After Brief Illness

Former NHL player Kyle Calder died Monday at the age of 47 after a brief illness, per the Associated Press.

"Never in a million years would I have thought this day would come," Calder's daughter, Madison, wrote in an Instagram post announcing his death. "There will forever be a void in my heart but forever a spot just for you."

A left winger, Calder played 10 seasons in the NHL from 1999 to 2009. He appeared in 608 regular-season and playoff games for the Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks.

"Kyle embodied the values that make our alumni family so special: his loyalty, toughness, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to those around him," the NHL Alumni Association said in a post on Tuesday memorializing him. "He was tough as nails on the ice, a fierce competitor who never backed down, yet behind that grit was a teddy bear heart. Kyle cared deeply for his teammates, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was a protector, a loyal friend, and someone who always put others before himself."

Calder also won a gold medal with the Canadian national team at the 2003 Hockey World Championships. Following his playing career, he had coached youth teams in Chicago, Los Angeles and Boston.

"Kyle approached life with the same passion, intensity and incredible dedication that defined his play," Blackhawks chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz said in a statement. "His commitment to the game remained strong long after his professional career ended, sharing his love for hockey with all generations of players."