Former NHL Enforcer's cause of death has been revealed.

As the hockey world continues to mourn the passing of former NHLer Todd Ewen, some details have come to light as to the circumstances surrounding the former enforcer's death. Ewen passed away on Saturday at the age of 49.

CTV Calgary’s Amanda Singroy reported Sunday that Ewen’s death was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and, “police are classifying his death as a suicide.” Singroy added that Ewen’s family said the former NHL enforcer had been battling depression, “for years.”

A career enforcer, Ewen played from 1986-97, and played for the St. Louis Blues, the Montreal Canadiens, the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and the San Jose Sharks at a time where enforcers were prevalent in the NHL. In 518 career games, Ewen scored 36 goals, 40 assists and racked up 1,911 penalty minutes in his 11 seasons.

Nicknamed "The Animal" for his ferocious playing style and penchant for fighting, Ewen was a staple of the St. Louis Blues roster, and would often square off against the likes of Bob Probert, fueling a lasting rivalry between St. Louis and Detroit. Ewen was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in 1989-90 and he and won the cup with Montreal in 1993. He would then go on to join the Mighty Ducks in 1993-94, and was tasked with protecting star players such as Teemu Selanne and Paul Kariya.

Former teammates expressed their sadness at the news of Ewen's untimely death.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Blue Todd Ewen,” said Blues chairman Tom Stillman. “Todd was an outstanding individual who called St. Louis home and continued to devote much of his time to the game he loved. On behalf of the entire St. Louis Blues organization, our thoughts and prayers are with the Ewen family during this most difficult time.”

"I was proud to call Todd Ewen a teammate and more importantly, a friend," former Blues star Brett Hull tweeted. Can't believe you're gone."

Post-career, Ewen had began coaching hockey and, according to CTV Calgary, had illustrated and written children’s books.

Sadly, Ewen joins a list of former NHL enforcers who have died at a young age, including Steve Montador (35), Wade Belak (35), Derek Boogaard (28) and Rick Rypien (27).

Ewen was a true warrior and a loyal teammate in a time where the toughest of the tough hit the ice.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this difficult time.

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