The Fight That Cost Him His Life at 27 tells the story of Rick Rypien — an undersized enforcer who carved out a place in the NHL through heart, intensity, and relentless grit. From his time with the Vancouver Canucks to the pressure that comes with the role of protector, Rypien’s story forces us to confront the human cost of hockey’s toughest job.
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33 Comments
Hockey is a tough sport. Players are tough not soft like the NBA. Sad story.
Hey S&S, do you have a Patreon?
8:04 I know it’s just shadow boxing but Rick really knew how to throw those hands properly. RIP Rick.
So sad that he lost the one fight that mattered most. There will always be a need to have sandpaper on an NHL roster not necessarily for the fighting, but to make playing against them tougher. Look at Keifer Sherwood – energy guy that hits, agitates, and can score.
Pound for pound,he may have been the toughest NHL'er in his time. Players far bigger were aware of his fighting prowess
Ripper!
I still miss Boogie. Derek was one of the most beloved hockey players off the ice. I didn't realize fully what he went through until I read his book posthumously. Derek Boogaard was an enslaved hockey fighter. The Wild and the Rangers used him like he was disposable. The day he died was a shock and heart breaker. I feel for all these silent warriors. What they gave to hockey, hockey never gave back. Thank you for this story, it really exposes the dark side of sports, and at the end of the day, these were somebody's family, spouse, and friends.
Fighting should not be removed entirely from the game but there shouldn't be a designated fighter of which that is almost all they do, they've got to play the actual game as well.
That fan incident…. Bi polar behavior! When in rage or during an episode. You don't see the colors of a person. You totally forget if its a guy or girl your raging at? It just happens and your like WTF after??? We don't know we have a problem until we are told. Certain behaviors become accepted and we will never fix it unless we are brought to terms with it. I'm 50 but growing up was a physical and mental struggle. His reaction to the fan reminds me of me. I was the fat kid that everyone wanted to fight. So my bell? Has been properly been wrung and I understand the pain. I have an amazing support group including my beautiful wife of 25 years!!
The Winnipeg Jets still to this day all wear #11 on their helmets to honour Rick.
The Wild shouldve been fined for allowing the fan to lean over the rail to heckle.
At the start of Rick's 2nd leave of absence, the Canucks organization said clearly drugs and alcohol were not the reason for his leave of absence. Colunmist Tony Gallagher hints on local sports radio it might be mental illness. The fan base loved Rick, it was a tough loss that hit deep.
Finally, a content creator that is able to tell a story around a deceased person without a whiff of doing so for likes, clicks or subs…. So many absolutely disgusting creators circling like scavengers trying to benefit from the tragedy of others. This feels very well researched and very well presented. Rather than presenting this as a way to benefit yourself it feels like you helped to tell the story on behalf of Rick……Kudos to you….
Derp
Not sure I can watch this, but for those that do, please let me know they do Rick right!
He was a warrior and deserves the utmost respect posthumously.
The game is quite gay now a days
Not only was he pound for pound one of the toughest guys in NHL history but I don't think he ever took a shift off. He'll never be forgotten in Vancouver!
I loved watching him play !! Rip 37
still one of my favourite canucks of all time. dude was absolutely fearless
Youre taking too long just get to the point
Thanks!
I had to stop watching. Shit still hurts too much. Too many parallels in my own life. Makes you wonder how much more damage you can take before it all falls apart. Rest easy Rick. You fought an upward battle your entire life.
It’s hard to know whether the depression in these guys comes from head injuries or from the fact most of them absolutely hated having to fight.
Im 3 minutes in and this is already a Bang !
I played junior hockey n knew rypiens brother well and what a good family he came from.
Project #11 forever R.I.P rick
❤❤❤ 💔
and yet there are "FANS" which say enforcer and fighting are necessary! Ya you're right not everyone ends up like those mentioned in this video, but the most of the "enforcers" struggle with depression or else, obviously!
Another great video, keep up the good work! Good awareness you bring about with these topics and I enjoy your narration
I am a Regina native and remember him well .As a Pat's fan. R.I.P.
Steve Montador Wade Belak Derek Boogard Rick Rypien and many more are tragedies that could be avoided. No other sport has that stress placed onto a member of a team so high
Names my Dog Rypien. Born the sake week as the passing. (Different year) Rick was my favorite new Canuck as a kid who was also a fighter and, hockey player RIP
It’s heartbreaking to hear that he carried such a guilt with him, after the loss of his girlfriend. It definitely wasn’t his fault, but there probably wasn’t any way to convince him of that.