Family of former Stanley Cup Champion reveals devastating news to the hockey world

"Chris was suffering tremendously from CTE. We saw him declining but did not know where to turn to for help. Chris' short term memory issues were ongoing for many years.

We also learned that he had lost most of his hearing, had daily headaches, light sensitivity, paranoia, was easily frustrated with tasks, had extreme anxiety, difficulty navigating in a vehicle, apathy- lack of feeling and emotion, impulsivity, distancing himself from those who meant the most to him, had executive dysfunction - meaning he couldn't plan or problem solve and he had suicidal thoughts at times.

Chris really distanced himself from his family and friends the last three years of his life. This has been extremely difficult on us, as the Chris we knew had been gone for quite some time. Looking back we now realize that Chris likely started suffering from CTE in his late 20s to early 30s.

Our entire family suffered for many years as we saw our son, brother, father, husband slip away from us and we couldn't do anything to help him. Before we lost Chris to CTE, he was a very gentle, loving man whose family meant the world to him.

We know that Chris would want more than anything that former players and families now know where to turn to for help if they suspect their loved one is suffering from TBI, PCS and CTE so they can get the support they desperately need."

"Our family is extremely thankful to Dr. Ann McKee, Lisa McHale and all staff at Boston University CTE Center and the Concussion Legacy Foundation for all of their work and support.

We are relieved that stage 3 CTE was definitively found in his brain as it will help bring some closure and healing to his family and friends. The unfortunate feeling of anger is also present due to the negligence of a professional league turning a blind eye to CTE and other significant brain injuries sustained in the sport of hockey."