Zezel, 44, suffers from the blood disorder haemolytic anaemia and this week had to undergo chemo therapy and have his spleen removed. He's now reportedly in a coma.
As a fellow Torontonian, I remember Zezel as the face-off expert on those Pat Burns-coached teams of 93/94... incidentally, the last Leafs teams that ever really had a legit shot at a Cup. (Damn you, Aquanet Fraser!) Zezel was a key Leaf for a few reasons, but was also always noted -- mostly by color commentators as a key face-off approached -- as a standout soccer talent, who played for Canada's U-21 squad and was drafted by the Toronto Blizzard of the NASL. Imagine a hometown kid these days who had the skills to pull double duty on the Leafs and FC? Can you say, never-have-to-pay-another-bar-tab-in-your-life?
Anyway, he was the kind of player we as fans often celebrate the most -- those key role players that make a successful team just that. So while Pens vs Wings 2: Igloo Motown Boogaloo may take up much of your hockey thoughts, be sure to save a few of the good ones for Mr. Peter Zezel.
UPDATE: Peter Zezel, RIP.
Will miss him and his commitment to the game after the NHL for the next generation. I know a father of one of his players Peter coached. He has nothing but good things to say about Peter. I also played soccer and just got into hockey which I love to play. Just think Peter you get to play with all the other greats in Heaven. Rest In Peace Peter!
Posted by: Ian | Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 08:24 PM
had the opportunity to meet him a few times and what a great person he was.it is very sad to hear that he has passed but i will keep those memories of the time i shared with him .i remember telling him that i love the movie he was in and he blushed and groaned andi think tonight i will watch it (Youngblood)with my boys and tell them what a great guy he was.god bless you peter
Posted by: lee clarke | Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 08:51 PM
I played soccer as a kid against Peter and billeted with he and his family at the Robbie Tournament. A ridiculously talented athlete witj a cannon of a shot and a gentle soul.
We shared a beer and some memories as adults in London a few years back.
Your smile and tenacity will be missed... my condolences to his wonderful family!
Peace out Peter...RIP
Posted by: Scotty | Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 10:54 PM
RIP Peter, you will be missed.NOTE: Live your life a day at a time!!.
Posted by: John Morris | Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 10:57 PM
To my old and dear friend. I will miss the times we shared in the past and will always remember the kind and gentle soul you were. I will close my eyes and remember your smile forever. May you never feel pain again. RIP!
Posted by: Lisa | Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 11:23 PM
I HAD THE PLEASURE TO MEET PETER ON MANY OCCASIONS WORKING WITH HIM AT HOCKEYS SCHOOLS AND WORKING WITH HIM AT SPORT CARD SHOWS THE ONE THING I REMEMBER MOST WAS HIS PATIENTCE WITH ALL THE PEOPLE HE WOULD MEET ESP THE YOUNG KIDS AND HIS STORY S ABOUT WENDEL LIVING AT HIS PARENTS HOME AND SLEEPING IN HIS FLYERS ROOM NO.# 25 WILL SADLY BE MISSED FAR TO YOUNG TO LEAVE US REMEMBER TO LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME..
Posted by: Dan Lan | Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 07:41 AM
Was my pleasure sharing a few laughs and couple beers over the years with Peter at mutual friends parties. He was a solid guy; and knew his Hockey. RIP! Peter; you will be missed!
Posted by: Patrick | Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 09:00 AM