Peter Zezel Former NHLer- R.I.P

Very sad to hear that former NHL player Peter Zezel passed away today at the age of 44. I had the pleasure of meeting Peter a few times and he was a classy person. What many people don't know is that Zezel retired from the NHL early so he could be by the bedside of a young family member who was suffering from a terminal disease. If only more professional athlete's carried themselves with the class and professionalism Peter did.

"Former NHL player Peter Zezel passed away at a Toronto hospital on Tuesday at the age of 44, after a long battle with a blood disorder.
Zezel spent the last 10 years being treated for haemolytic anaemia, a rare disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them.
His family released the following statement:
"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. In his typical character of generosity, Peter has donated his organs through the Trillium Gift of Life Network. We would like to thank all of Peter's friends and family for their support and we ask for privacy during this difficult time."
The Toronto native played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils and Vancouver Canucks."