Ex-NHL Prospect Pronounced Dead At The Tragic Age Of 44 Years-Old

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Austin Sabourin
November 26, 2024 (12:57)

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A former Edmonton Oilers prospect, Kristian Antila was pronounced dead at the young age of 44-years-old.

Some tragic news has struck the hockey community after it was revealed that a former Edmonton Oilers goalie prospect Kristian Antila suddenly died at the young age of 44-years-old.

Kristian Antila was originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers during the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. The Oilers drafted Antila during the fourth-round with the 113th overall pick.

There were multiple reports earlier in the month revealed that Antila had died but the reason for his death was never revealed.

Kristian Antila was working for a company as a salesperson, and they made an announcement regarding his death, this is what they had to say:

"Kristian was a hard-working, friendly and committed employee who impressed us all. He was always ready to listen, help and support others.

We will remember Kristian as a warm and caring person who loved being out in nature. His passing is a great loss and his memory lives on in our hearts."

Although he never got to play with the Edmonton Oilers, he did play two games with the Hamilton Bulldogs in the American Hockey League during the 2002-03 season. After this he would go on to play some games in the CHL as well but then would return back to Sweden before calling it a career in 2004-05.

"The 2003-04 season ended with AIK in HockeyAllsvenskan. Antila was then recruited to Luleå in the SHL before he was forced to put the skates on the shelf in 2005 due to groin problems."

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Antila as they go through this rough time.