44-Year Old Former Edmonton Oilers Goaltender Tragically Passes Away At Age 44
As many players who are drafted by their respective teams, hope to eventually make it to the NHL.
Unfortunately, for this 44-year-old Finnish goalie, he never got the chance. He was drafted 113th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1998 NHL Draft.
He would remain in the SM Liiga, and despite his best efforts would make a career in his home country.
According to reports the former Edmonton Oilers draft pick, passed away earlier this month. The cause of death remains undisclosed for Antila.
Kristian's last year of playing professional hockey was in 2004-2005, playing for Lulea HF in the SEL, a Swedish Pro League.
Since his retirement from professional hockey, he'd taken up a position as a salesman.
His former manager had these kind words to say about his fellow coworker:
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."
While Antila was drafted 113th overall in 1998 by the Oilers, he wouldn't make it to North America until 2002.
Before returning to Sweden he would play in multiple North American leagues, including the CHL, ECHL, and AHL.
This news is on the cusp of the NHL losing a retired referee Mike Hasenfratz, who officiated over 700 games. Along with the passing of a former Olympian hockey player, Andrzej Hachula.
With another unfortunate passing, we send our deepest condolences to those suffering from the loss of Antila.
