Peter Zezel, 44, longtime NHL player

[Forkboy]

TORONTO - Peter Zezel, a center who played 15 NHL seasons after breaking into the league with the Philadelphia Flyers as a teenager, has died. He was 44.

Mr. Zezel struggled with the rare blood disease hemolytic anemia for the past 10 years and died yesterday. He had rebounded after being in critical condition in 2001.

"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," Mr. Zezel's family said in a statement released by the National Hockey League Players' Association. "In his typical character of generosity, Peter donated his organs through the Trillium Gift of Life Network."

The gritty center was known on the ice for his strong two-way game. In 873 NHL games with Philadelphia, St. Louis, Washington, Toronto, Dallas, New Jersey, and Vancouver, he had 219 goals and 389 assists.

His matinee idol looks also earned him a small role in the 1986 hockey-based movie "Youngblood," which starred Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze.

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/obituaries/articles/2009/05/27/peter_zezel_44_longtime_nhl_player/

Sad news. He was a real hockey guy, and a class act off the ice.

[madinmaryland]

1. Very sad. Rest in Peace.

[joeybee12]

2. Aw, that sucks...so young...

RIP

[LisaM]

3. I saw this.

Tough news.

[Ohio Joe]

4. Wow... just saw this

Really sad, RIP.

[devilgrrl]

5. So so sad :-(

He was a class guy all the way - Rest in Peace Peter.