Peter Zezel, who had a short but memorable stint with the Albany River Rats during the 1997-98 season, died Tuesday afternoon following complications from a long-time blood disorder. He was 44.
Zezel played 15 years in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils and the Vancouver Canucks. The Toronto native spent most of the 1997-98 season in the AHL with Albany, skating alongside future NHLers John Madden, Brendan Morrison, Sergei Brylin, Patrik Elias, Sheldon Souray, Jay Pandolfo, Colin White, and current Hershey Bears captain Bryan Helmer.
In 35 games for the Rats, Zezel scored 13 goals and 50 points, and was chosen as Albany's representative to the AHL All-Star Game in Syracuse. He was traded by New Jersey to Vancouver just five days before the two-day festivities, but flew across North America to honor his selection, wearing a Rats sweater.
Fittingly, Zezel set up one goal and scored two, including the winner midway through the third period, lifting the Canadian All-Stars to an 11-10 victory over PlanetUSA. He was named the game's MVP, and dedicated his performance to his 2-year-old niece, Jilliann Carter, diagnosed with a form of cancer just a week prior. She died on May 18, 1999.
"It was certainly a storybook ending," Zezel said after the game. "I was hoping we'd win, but I didn't know I'd get the game-winner. But it was nice to get it, and I dedicate that goal to my little niece. I write her name on my hockey sticks, and make sure she's always in my thoughts."
With the NHL on hiatus for the Winter Olympics, Zezel took the opportunity to visit his niece in Toronto before heading to Syracuse.
"I'm even more impressed to see him over here," former Hershey coach Bob Hartley, who guided the Canadian team, said. "With that kind of reason, he would have been excused very easily from participating. He wanted to be here. He deserves a lot of credit for this. I think Peter Zezel is as great example. These young players can learn a lot from him."
A true class ac t, Zezel had 219 goals and 608 points in 873 NHL games, retiring in 1999. He played only 37 minor-league games, 2 for Kalamazoo in the IHL in 1994-95, and the rest for Albany.
Zezel's family released a 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.”
