Former NHL Player Peter Zezel Dies at 44 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 05-26-2009, 07:33 PM

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Former NHL player Peter Zezel passed away at a Toronto hospital on Tuesday, after a long battle with a blood disorder.

Zezel, 44, spent the last 10 years being treated for haemolytic anaemia, a rare disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them.

His family released the following statement:

"Peter will forever be remembered as a great teammate and a wonderful individual, who touched the lives of many both on and off the ice. In his typical character of generosity, Peter has donated his organs through the Trillium Gift of Life Network. We would like to thank all of Peter's friends and family for their support and we ask for privacy during this difficult time."

The Toronto native played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils and Vancouver Canucks.

"The hockey community has suffered a great loss today," said NHLPA Director of Player Affairs Glenn Healy in a statement. "Peter was a friend and a great family man who was well liked by everyone he crossed paths with in our game. Our thoughts are with Peter's family and many friends during this difficult time."

With 873 games played in his NHL career, he's best remembered for his tenure in Toronto. He scored 50 goals and 128 points in four seasons with the Maple Leafs and helped guide the club to back-to-back appearances in the conference finals in 1993 and 1994.

Hockey was not the only sport where Zezel excelled. He also played with the Toronto Blizzard of the North American Soccer League and the North York Rockets of the Canadian Soccer League.

Zezel retired from his NHL playing career after the 1998-99 season and ran hockey camps in his hometown for the last 11 years.

He was also a popular guest on TSN's Off The Record with Michael Landsberg, making 19 appearances on the guest panel and discussing all the latest issues in hockey. His most recent appearance on the show was May 7.

His family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Peter Zezel's name to the James Birrell Fund at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. The cheques should be made payable to "The James Fund" and can be mailed to:

Marvo301 · 05-26-2009, 07:54 PM

Peter Zezel. Peter was one of the truly nice guys in professional sports. This is a sad day.

Schmoopie · 05-26-2009, 11:17 PM

That's awful! And to die so young!

Wreckless · 05-27-2009, 04:26 PM

another philly guy this year DEAD

i was shocked when i heard this on comcast sportsnet last night, was saddened...

peter was a great, enthusiastic player- he was great for the Flyers in the '80s, with those great Flyers teams

RIP, he will be truly missed..

05-26-2009, 07:33 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,485	Former NHL Player Peter Zezel Dies at 44 Link Former NHL player Peter Zezel passed away at a Toronto hospital on Tuesday, after a long battle with a blood disorder. Zezel, 44, spent the last 10 years being treated for haemolytic anaemia, a rare disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them. His family released the following statement: "Peter will forever be remembered as a great teammate and a wonderful individual, who touched the lives of many both on and off the ice. In his typical character of generosity, Peter has donated his organs through the Trillium Gift of Life Network. We would like to thank all of Peter's friends and family for their support and we ask for privacy during this difficult time." The Toronto native played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils and Vancouver Canucks. "The hockey community has suffered a great loss today," said NHLPA Director of Player Affairs Glenn Healy in a statement. "Peter was a friend and a great family man who was well liked by everyone he crossed paths with in our game. Our thoughts are with Peter's family and many friends during this difficult time." With 873 games played in his NHL career, he's best remembered for his tenure in Toronto. He scored 50 goals and 128 points in four seasons with the Maple Leafs and helped guide the club to back-to-back appearances in the conference finals in 1993 and 1994. Hockey was not the only sport where Zezel excelled. He also played with the Toronto Blizzard of the North American Soccer League and the North York Rockets of the Canadian Soccer League. Zezel retired from his NHL playing career after the 1998-99 season and ran hockey camps in his hometown for the last 11 years. He was also a popular guest on TSN's Off The Record with Michael Landsberg, making 19 appearances on the guest panel and discussing all the latest issues in hockey. His most recent appearance on the show was May 7. His family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Peter Zezel's name to the James Birrell Fund at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. The cheques should be made payable to "The James Fund" and can be mailed to:
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05-26-2009, 07:54 PM	#2
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	Peter Zezel. Peter was one of the truly nice guys in professional sports. This is a sad day.
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

05-26-2009, 11:17 PM	#3
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	That's awful! And to die so young!
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

05-27-2009, 04:26 PM	#4
Wreckless Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Nov 04, 2007 Location: Banned Posts: 9,406	another philly guy this year DEAD i was shocked when i heard this on comcast sportsnet last night, was saddened... peter was a great, enthusiastic player- he was great for the Flyers in the '80s, with those great Flyers teams RIP, he will be truly missed..