Raymond Sawada

Raymond Masao Sawada (February 19, 1985 – April 10, 2023) was a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger. He played a total of eleven games over three seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), all with the Dallas Stars. He also played for Tappara of the Liiga, Belfast Giants of the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), and the Oji Eagles of the Asia League Ice Hockey (ALH).

 Career 
Before playing in the NHL, Sawada played parts of 1 season with the Nanaimo Clippers of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and 4 years with the Cornell Big Red where he was the co-captain.

Sawada was drafted 52nd overall in the second round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. After his time with Cornell was over, Sawada joined the Stars organization. He would start his career with their AHL-affiliate team Iowa Stars.

On February 19, 2009, Sawada made his NHL debut in a 4–2 victory against the Edmonton Oilers. In the same game, Sawada would also score his first NHL goal.

On July 16, 2010, Sawada would sign a one-year; two way contract with the Stars. Sawada signed another one-year, two-way contract on July 27, 2011 to stay with the Stars.

In 2013, he would leave North America to join Tappara of the Liiga. He played 29 games with them.

On August 14, 2014, Sawada headed to Ireland to play for the Belfast Giants the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL). He played 52 games with them.

In 2015, Sawada would travel to Japan and play for the Oji Eagles of the Asia League Ice Hockey (ALH). He would retire after the season.

 Personal life and death 
After retiring from professional ice hockey, he became a firefighter in Burnaby, British Columbia.

On April 10, 2023, Sawada was playing in a recreational ice hockey game when he suffered a fatal heart attack. On November 16th, the Richmond Sockeye retired Sawada's jersey number. He played junior hockey with them.

References

 Other websites 

Category:1985 births
Category:2023 deaths
Category:Canadian ice hockey forwards
Category:Dallas Stars players
Category:Deaths in sport
Category:Ice hockey people from British Columbia
Category:Iowa Stars players
Category:Manitoba Moose players
Category:St. John's IceCaps players
Category:Texas Stars players