Brad Tapper is hoping for a new start in Germany.

The former Thrashers' forward was a housemate of Dan Snyder's with the team's affiliate in Chicago. The two played in the minors and in Atlanta together for more than three seasons.

He described Snyder's death as "devastating."

Thrashers general manager Don Waddell visited the Chicago Wolves on Saturday, Oct. 4, to update the team on Snyder's condition. Some of Snyder's good friends played there, including Tapper and defensemen Mike Weaver and Luke Sellars.

After Waddell spoke, Tapper tried to encourage his teammates, telling them, "He's a tough guy. He's strong, he'll get through this."

The next day, Tapper's landlord woke up him and his wife, Allison, after seeing the news of Snyder's death on television.

"After it happened, I didn't want to play hockey anymore," Tapper said. "It was really tough. It was very tough. He's one of the strongest people I've ever known. I knew his family pretty good. Snydes is one of the toughest, best competitors every night.

After Snyder's death, Tapper had the grievous task of going through Snyder's belongings to send them back to his family.

His play deteriorated. He had one goal in 20 games. He said he became self-destructive, but credits his wife for helping him through a difficult time. He said conversations with his family, Jake Snyder - Dan's brother - and Dany Heatley have also helped.

There also was another factor.

"I wanted to quit," Tapper said. "Snydes was never a quitter. If he saw that I quit, he'd kick me in the [butt] if I ever saw him again. He wouldn't let me do that."

A change for the better came on Jan. 6 when he was traded to Ottawa's minor-league team, Binghamton. It was a chance to get away from the memories — the house Tapper and Snyder once shared.

"Getting traded was a relief," he said. "I had to get out of Chicago, my wife and I. I had to get my mind together and focused back on hockey."

Tapper initially had success with Binghamton but a series of concussions prematurely ended his season.

He reached another turning point when he visited Elmira, Ontario in July for Snyder's charity golf tournament. He and Jake Snyder stayed up talking all night. Then Tapper decided to visit Snyder's gravesite on the outskirts of town.

"It helped big time," Tapper said. "I went to the site myself and talked it over."