Steve Swistak, who played 37 games for Michigan State from 2000 to 2004, passed away on June 11 after a 2 1/2-year battle with esophageal cancer.
Swistak was just 33.
According to a Facebook post from his father, Len, Swistak was surrounded by his extended family “just as he had lived – with dignity, love, determination, fearlessness and no regrets.”
After graduating from MSU, Swistak entered medical school in East Lansing and was working as a colorectal surgeon at the Detroit Medical Center at the time of his death.
Swistak leaves behind his wife, Megan, and newborn daughter, Sophia, along with parents, Len and Pat.
His cousin, Mike, also played at Michigan State, while another cousin, J.J., played for Michigan.
“Like all athletes, Steve would have said he did not lose this battle, but simply, the clock ran out,” read the Facebook post. “He is now only in our hearts and our fond memories.”
With the Spartans, Swistak tallied two goals and two assists – all during his senior season of 2003-04.
