Peter Zezel dies
Former Flyer Peter Zezel died today at the age of 44.
Peter Zezel dies
Rich Hofmann, Daily News Sports Columnist
Terrible news out of Toronto: Former Flyer Peter Zezel has died in a hospital as a result of a rare blood disorder.
Multiple reports indicate that Zezel had fought the disorder, hemolytic anemia, for the last decade, but that he was thought to be coping well in recent years. His family made the decision to turn off life support this afternoon.
Zezel was drafted by the Flyers in 1983 and was a very popular player, especially among the females in the stands, when he played here from 1984 to 1989. In that time, he and his young teammates made two trips to the Stanley Cup finals under coach Mike Keenan. He was one of the faces of that popular young group that never was quite able to knock down the door.
The end of Zezel's career told you something about the man. He was in Vancouver and requested a deadline trade to the East so that he could be near a young niece who was dying of cancer. Instead, he was traded to Anaheim and promptly retired.
Now, this. Zezel was only 44 years old.
Wow, that really sucks. I hope he can pull through. He was part of a great team here in the mid-80s and was part of lots of great memories for me watching games.— mikemcnhl- what a shame. he is still so young. Best wishes to Peter and his family.
- what a shame. he is still so young. Best wishes to Peter and his family.
- Hang in there, Pete.— Jackie Marlo
- We're pulling for ya Peter.— robkaos
Comment removed.- OMG (sob)Zezel was one of my favorite players. Get better soon, Peter.— Stanley Levin
At this time, it is sadly reported that Peter Zezel will be taken off life support in a Toronto hospital today after he lapsed into a coma due to complications from a blood disorder. He had his spleen removed after undergoing chemotherapy to treat this blood disorder. Godspeed, Peter. We are praying for you.- Comment removed.
- This is terrible news. I am so sorry to hear this about Peter.— BobbyD
- P-Zez deserves better, especially considering the way he opted out of the game. We wish him and his family the very best in this time of need.— psuwelsh
- Praying for you, Pete. Surely all the ladies are, too.— Philly Fan in Kuwait
- I'm heartbroken. I was a huge fan of Peter's - on and off the ice. I had the best summers as a teenage hanging out with the Flyers softball team. He was a great part of that. Truly a stand-up guy.— emmkay
- Comment removed.
Godspeed, Peter Zezel...— kjuggs77
