Posted on 05/27/2009 7:51:03 AM PDT by My Favorite Headache
Peter Zezel, Former NHL Player, Dies of Blood Disorder at 44
Former New Jersey Devils forward Peter Zezel dead at 44
Kevin Larkin/Associated Press Former Devil Peter Zezel, shown fighting for the puck in the 1997 Eastern Conference semi-final, died Tuesday after battling a blood disorder. Former NHL forward Peter Zezel, who played 23 games for the Devils in 1996-97 and 1997-98, died Tuesday in a Toronto hospital after battling a longtime blood disorder.
Zezel, who fought hemolytic anemia for the past 10 years, recently underwent surgery to have his spleen removed and had also received chemotherapy treatments. He was removed from life support before passing away.
The NHL Players' Association issued the following statement:
"It is with great regret and deep sadness that the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) announces the passing of former NHL forward Peter Zezel on Tuesday afternoon at the age of 44. Zezel passed away following complications from a long-time blood disorder.
"Zezel played 15-years in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils and the Vancouver Canucks. Originally drafted 41st overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round of the 1983 Entry Draft, Zezel played 873 regular season games, scoring 219 goals and 389 assists. Zezel retired from the NHL following the 1998-99 season.
Zezel was also first cousin to Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson.
(Excerpt) Read more at nj.com ...
Second rounder who played 15 years. Well done Zezel.
Sad to hear this. The 86-87 Philadelphia Flyers are my favorite memory as a sports fan (despite losing the final game of the Stanley Cup in Philly fashion). My friends and I could still probably name everyone on that roster and their number.
If anyone saw the movie “Youngblood” with Rob Lowe back in the 80’s Zezel did the ice skating stunts.
RIP #25
RIP #25
RIP.
ping
Zezel is gone... ;(
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