Michael Landsberg, the host of TSN's "Off the Record," spoke to CP24 on Thursday about the death of his friend and former NHLer Wade Belak.
Landsberg, who frequently had Belak as a guest on his show, said he never got the impression that the ex-Maple Leaf was worried about life after his playing career.
Belak expressed a desire to become a broadcaster and even talked about following in his brother's footsteps and becoming a police officer, Landsberg said.
There has been plenty of speculation around Belak's death, but Landsberg said while the athlete may have been dealing with personal issues, he doesn't think it has anything to do with the struggle many players encounter after they leave the excitement and spotlight of the NHL.
"He could have done anything he wanted and, most importantly, he had things that he wanted to do," Landsberg, speaking from a studio in New York City, told CP24's Stephen LeDrew.
Belak, who recently retired from the NHL, was found dead in Toronto on Wednesday, stunning the hockey world, which was already reeling after the deaths of two players – Derek Boogaard of the New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets forward Rick Rypien – earlier this summer.
Landsberg said the deaths may be linked by some common elements, but they should be treated separately.
During the interview, Landsberg also spoke about depression in men and the state of fighting in hockey.
To watch two clips of the interview, click on the links under the photo of Landsberg on this page.
