Peter Zezel, who played 15 National Hockey League seasons for seven teams, died on Tuesday following complications from a long-time blood disorder.
He was 44.
“The hockey community has suffered a great loss,” said Glenn Healy, director of player affairs for the National Hockey League Players’ Association, which announced Zezel’s passing. “Peter was a friend and a great family man who was well liked by everyone he crossed paths with in our game.”
Zezel, a center, began his career with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1984 before being traded to the St Louis Blues during the 1988-1989 season. He also had stops with the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils and Vancouver Canucks before retiring following the 1998-1999 campaign.
He played 873 regular-season games, compiling 219 goals and 389 assists, and also reached the postseason 11 times, scoring 25 goals and handing out 39 assists.
‘PASSIONATE’
“He was truly a passionate and loyal friend both on and off the ice,” former Toronto Maple Leafs teammate Mark Osborne said in a statement. “Our hockey family is devastated.”
The disorder, which Zezel had been fighting for the past decade, is called hemolytic anemia, the Toronto Sun reported.
Zezel had complications from surgery a few days ago and had been on life support, the newspaper said.
‘WONDERFUL’
“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,” his family said in a statement. “In his typical character of generosity, Peter has donated his organs through the Trillium Gift of Life Network.”
Zezel had a minor role in the 1986 hockey movie Youngblood starring Patrick Swayze and Rob Lowe.
After retirement, Zezel worked with the NHL Alumni Association and did charity work associated with the sport.
He also ran a hockey school and coached youth hockey in the Toronto area where he lived.
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