One of the biggest fears every parent has from the moment they become a parent is that their child will get hurt, or god forbid that their child will die. That fear has become the daily reality for the father of one former National Hockey League forward.
Walter Peat has made a desperate plea in an attempt to save the life of his son Stephen Peat, a former National Hockey League enforcer who played 130 NHL games as a member of the Washington Capitals, as a result of the effects of what Walter believes are multiple injuries to the head.
Walter recently gave the New York Times permission to publish some private text messages and emails he had shared with his son as well as medical professionals in the hope that public awareness will bring him the help he has been so desperately searching for.
Here is part of an e-mail Walter sent to a doctor with the National Hockey League Player's Association:
Dr. Rizos,
We are at a critical point in Stephen’s health. I am afraid, Stephen may become another statistic in NHL players who’s life is ended due to brain injuries suffered from playing. We are desperate for help, as we have run out of resources and energy to cope with this. The NHL has offered zero help. I am sorry we haven’t contacted you sooner, but Stephen is stubborn, and proud. It has gone past that, and hope someone will help. He is suffering badly from memory loss, depression, extreme headaches, and at times suicide thoughts. Along with this, tough when he get frustrated and anger comes out. He has got violent a couple times, and at times I am afraid for my life. I love my son very much, and you have no idea how much this hurts to see him like this. Please help.
The message from Walter get more and more depressing as time goes on, with Walter describing his own son as the broken shell of a man. Again from the New York Times:
[pub]
I saw him yesterday, looks horrible, he is homeless. I know one can lead a horse to water theory, but I am afraid this could be very close to his end. At times he has no idea who he is or where he is.
In fact things have gotten so bad that Walter has contacted several authorities including the parole officer for his son in order to get a no-contact order, fearing that Stephen in his damaged state could seriously harm him, himself, or someone else.
He should be in a hospital, not a jail, we can talk more about this. I will say I have had to get a no contact order as I fear for my safety now. If he is in a state where he doesn’t know who I am, it scares me.
NHL fans know all too well the tale of the NHL enforcer who goes down a dark road after too many injuries, and it's not so long ago that we lost beloved players like Derek Boogaard, Rick Rypien and Wade Belak. Hopefully this final desperate cry for help from Walter can help him save the life of his son because no father should have to watch their little boy die.
Here are some examples of the crazy fights Peat was involved in during his career.
