The Calgary Stampeders are mourning the passing of former defensive lineman Harald Hasselbach on Thursday. The 56-year-old from Amsterdam, Netherlands, passed away from cancer. Hasselbach’s family confirmed the passing.
“Harald was a great Canadian and a championship-caliber player for the Stampeders at a significant time in the franchise’s history,” said Stampeders president John Hufnagel, a member of Calgary’s coaching staff during Hasselbach’s playing days with the Red and White. “We extend our condolences to his family and friends.”
Harald Hasselbach played collegiate football at the University of Washington. The Calgary Stampeders drafted Hasselbach in the fifth round (34th pick) of the 1989 CFL Draft.
Hasselbach played four seasons in Calgary with 72 tackles, seven tackles on special teams, 14 sacks, seven fumble recoveries, and one interception in 50 games. He is a member of the 1992 Grey Cup championship team.
After Calgary, Hasselbach signed with the Denver Broncos. He played seven seasons with 178.5 tackles, 17.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries in 112 games. He helped the Broncos win two Super Bowls over the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons.
