Rick Blight: Canadian NHL right winger, career and legacy

Playing career

Blight entered the NHL after being chosen in the first round of the 1975 draft. He spent the bulk of his major‑league time with the Vancouver franchise before moving on for a shorter stint with the Los Angeles club. Over his five seasons at the top level he was used primarily as a forward whose responsibilities combined scoring attempts and the two‑way play expected of wingers in that era. Like many players of his generation, his professional path included movement between the NHL and various minor‑pro teams while adjusting to the pace and physicality of the league.

Style and role

As a right‑side forward, Blight's role focused on offensive support and finishing opportunities created by teammates. Contemporary accounts noted his willingness to play a conventional winger's game—pursuing pucks along the boards, joining the rush and taking shots when chances arose. While he did not achieve long‑term star status in the NHL, he was respected as a capable contributor during his seasons at the top level.

After hockey and honours

Following his retirement from professional play, Blight worked outside of hockey in financial and business roles. He was employed as a stockbroker and later served as a marketing consultant. His accomplishments on the ice and his standing in his home province were recognized when he was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. The induction reflected his status as one of Manitoba's notable hockey exports and a source of local pride.

Disappearance and death

In early April 2005 Blight went missing from his property. After a search that drew attention across the country, his body was discovered on a field on his farm near Lake Manitoba with his vehicle nearby. Authorities investigated the circumstances and the death was officially ruled a suicide. The events prompted an outpouring of condolences from former teammates, regional sports organizations and community members who remembered his contributions to the game.

Legacy and remembrance

Rick Blight is remembered primarily for his achievements as a high draft pick who reached the NHL and for his later recognition at the provincial level. His induction into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame remains a focal point for those honoring his hockey career. His story is also cited in discussions about the pressures athletes can face when transitioning away from competitive sports and the importance of support systems for former players.

Further notes

• Drafted 10th overall in 1975 — a selection that placed expectations on his progress to the NHL.
• Played for the NHL franchises in Vancouver and Los Angeles during the 1970s and early 1980s.
• Inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 1995, acknowledging his impact at the provincial level.

For more on Rick Blight's career statistics and game logs, see archival resources and team histories. Contemporary write‑ups and Hall of Fame material provide additional context on his achievements and the circumstances surrounding his later life.

Professional | Ice hockey | Right winger | NHL | Vancouver Canucks | Los Angeles Kings | Stockbroker | Marketing | Suicide