Professional hockey forward Peter Zezel played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League from 1984 until 1999.
Zezel died at the age of 44 on May 26, 2009, after suffering from hemolytic anemia, a rare blood disorder.National Post: Former NHLer Zezel Passes Away in Toronto Hospital
Illness and Death
After retiring from the NHL in 1999 for personal reasons, Zezel began coaching minor league hockey and operating a hockey camp in the Toronto area. In 2001, he was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder hemolytic anemia which causes the red blood cells in his body to be destroyed faster than his body can replace them. Despite the illness, he continued to coach and mentor younger players.National Post: Former NHLer Zezel Passes Away in Toronto Hospital
In May of 2009, Zezel checked onto a Toronto hospital for surgery, however fell into a coma. He was removed from life support on May 26, 2009. Zezel donated his organs to the Trillium Gift of Life Network.National Post: Former NHLer Zezel Passes Away in Toronto Hospital
Playing Career
- 1982-1984: Toronto Marlboros, Ontario Hockey LeagueLegends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
- 1984-1988: Philadelphia FlyersLegends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
- 1988-1991: St. Louis BluesLegends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
- 1991: Washington CapitalsLegends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
- 1991-1994: Toronto Maple LeafsLegends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
- 1994: Dallas StarsLegends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
- 1995-1997: St. Louis BluesLegends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
- 1977-1998: New Jersey DevilsLegends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
- 1998-1999: Vancouver CanucksLegends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
NHL Career Stats
- Games played: 874Legends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
- Goals: 219Legends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
- Assists: 389Legends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
- Points: 608Legends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
- Penalty minutes: 435Legends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
- Playoff games played: 131Legends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
- Playoff goals: 25Legends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
- Playoff assists: 39Legends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
- Playoff points: 64Legends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
- Playoff penalty minutes: 83Legends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
References
Fast Facts
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Holds the rookie record for assists with the Philadelphia Flyers, at 46Official Site: Peter Zezel
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Tied for the Flyers' record for most assists in a playoff period, at threeOfficial Site: Peter Zezel
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Coached minor league hockey in TorontoOfficial Site: Peter Zezel
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Joined the Canadian National under-21 team at the age of 15Official Site: Peter Zezel
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Had a cameo in the film YoungbloodOfficial Site: Peter Zezel
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Diagnosed with hemolytic anemia in 2001Legends of Hockey: Peter Zezel
