CHICAGO — Former NHL defenseman Steve Montador was found unconscious in his home in Mississauga, Ontario, early Sunday morning and was later pronounced dead, according to the Peel Region Police. He was 35.

No foul play was suspected.

Montador last played in the NHL for the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2011-12 season. He missed the 2012-13 season recovering from a concussion. He said he battled depression as a physical symptom of the brain injury.

“I know people talk about sports being a microcosm for life, and it’s very true that way,” he said in March 2013, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. “I can see why people have a hard time with … being taken away from something they love to do. There’s a lot of uncertainty, a lot of fear, a lot of anxiety and depression. I’ve had a lot of help to work through that, and I feel like I’ve taken the right steps.”

The Blackhawks locker room expressed dismay at the news Sunday, after a 2-1 shootout win over the Penguins.

“He was a leader in the locker room,” Chicago forward Patrick Sharp said. “He did a lot for the union on our team, and then league-wide. He was friendly with everybody and a great teammate. It’s really disappointing to hear the news before the game. We’re going to support each other, support his family and all of his close friends, and get through it.”

Some players took to Twitter to praise Montador for being a mentor at the start of their careers.

He also was remembered for his work with the players’ union.

“Steve was a great person who quickly became a friend of everyone he came to know in the game; teammates, NHL club staff, the media and fans,” Donald Fehr, the executive director of the NHL Players’ Association, said in a statement.

“Over the course of his career, he was an active member of the NHLPA and someone who I and our entire staff enjoyed working closely with. He dedicated a lot of his time to advancing the interests of his fellow players. On behalf of the players and staff, we send our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s family and his many friends. He will be greatly missed.”

Montador made his NHL debut in 2001 with Calgary and played for six teams in parts of 10 seasons. The Vancouver, British Columbia, native had 33 goals and 98 assists in 571 career games.

With AP