Former NHL enforcer Todd Ewen dies at 49

Todd Ewen, the former NHL enforcer called “The Animal” for his rugged play and fighting ability, died Saturday. He was 49. The St. Louis Blues confirmed Ewen’s death without providing details. “We’re sad to learn of the passing of former Blue Todd Ewen today,” the team tweeted. “Our thoughts are with the Ewen family at this time.” Ewen had 36 goals, 40 assists and 1,911 penalty minutes in 518 career games in 11 seasons with St. Louis, Montreal, Anaheim and San Jose. He helped Montreal win the 1993 Stanley Cup. Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Ewen played junior hockey for the New Westminster Bruins in the Western Hockey League. – AP