WHL mourns passing of former Pats, Blazers star Calder

The Western Hockey League is mourning the passing of former Regina Pats and Kamloops Blazers star Kyle Calder.

Calder passed Monday at the age of 47.

Hailing from Mannville, Alta., Calder enjoyed an outstanding four seasons in the WHL, racking up 232 points (95G-137A) in 212 career WHL regular season games. The 5-foot-11, 176-pound left winger broke into the WHL as a member of the Pats during the 1995-96 season. In 1996-97, he emerged as a legitimate offensive weapon in the Queen City, tallying 59 points (25G-34A) in 62 games. That campaign put Calder on the radar of NHL scouts, and he was selected in the fifth round (130th overall) by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1997 NHL Draft.

On the heels of the 1997 NHL Draft, Calder returned to the WHL where he registered a career best 77 points (27G-50A) in 62 games during the 1997-98 season. Calder split the 1998-99 campaign between the Pats and Kamloops Blazers. In 61 contests, he exceeded his previous mark by collecting 88 points (42G-46A). That season, he also represented Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship, recording eight points (2G-6A) in seven games, helping secure a silver medal for his nation.

Dealt to the Blazers ahead of the 1999 WHL Trade Deadline, Calder went on to post 16 points (6G-10A) in 15 playoff games as Kamloops advanced to the WHL Championship, before falling to the Calgary Hitmen in five games.

Calder made his NHL debut the following season, seeing action in eight games and tallying two points (1G-1A) with the Blackhawks. He went on to play 590 career regular season games across 10 NHL campaigns, scoring 294 points (114G-180A).

In Chicago, Calder’s time peaked during the 2005-06 season when he served as an alternate captain and collected a career best 59 points (26G-33A) in 79 games. From there, he went on to make stops with the Philadelphia Flyers, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Anaheim Ducks, before ultimately retiring from pro hockey at the conclusion of the 2011-12 season.

On behalf of the WHL and its 23 member Clubs, we extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to family, friends, and all those who knew Kyle Calder.