Peter Zezel: His Inspirational Life, Heartbreaking Loss and Tragic Death.

The fact that Peter Zezel quit the NHL to care for a dying loved one did not surprise those who knew him.
With his movie star looks, gregarious personality and stellar two-way play, Peter Zezel was a popular player with Mike Keenan’s youthful Philadelphia Flyers teams of the 1980s.
Later, Zezel would go on to earn accolades with the St. Louis Blues and would help lead the Toronto Maple Leafs to their best post-season performances in the modern era.
But despite this success, Zezel’s legacy will always be his decision to choose humanity over hockey in the face of a cruel betrayal by hockey management.
This is the inspirational -- and ultimately heartbreaking -- story of Peter Zezel -- a man whose tremendous talent was surpassed only by his generous soul.
Peter was chosen by the Flyers in round 2 of the 1983 NHL Draft after posting 47 goals and 133 points for the OHL's Toronto Marlies during the 1983-84 campaign. The following year, he established himself as a regular for a Flyers team that posted the best regular season record in the NHL and advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals.
A year later, Zezel's celebrity grew when he landed a small role in the hockey-themed Rob Lowe movie, Youngblood.
In 1986-87, Peter continued to progress with a career-high with 33 goals and 72 points. He also had a strong playoff as a checking forward, scoring 3 goals and 13 points in a 25 game run that saw the Flyers push the mighty Edmonton Oilers to 7 games in one of the greatest Stanley Cup finals ever. That year, Zezel also earned a pair of first-place votes for the Selke Trophy, NHL's award for the league's top defensive forward
After getting off to a slow start in 1988-89, Peter was dealt to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Mike Bullard. Zezel quickly found a home with Brett Hull on his right wing and he finished strongly, collecting a career-high 49 assists that season. In 1989-90, he tied his career-best 72 points in 73 games and helped Hull rack up 72 goals.
But Zezel would score just one goal in 13 playoff games and on July 13, 1990, he was traded with Mike Lalor to the Washington Capitals in exchange for Geoff Courtnall.
After a brief an injury plagued stint with the Caps, he was traded with Bob Rouse to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Al Iafrate.
With Toronto and the teams that followed, Zezel settled into the role of a defensive-minded center and reliable faceoff man. The Leafs had some great success during Zezel’s stay, including a coming one game away from the Stanley Cup finals in 1993.
In the mid-90s, Zezel bounced around from the Dallas Stars, back to the Blues and then the New Jersey Devils before being acquired by the Vancouver Canucks in February 1998.
Resources:
Bill Meltzer
National Hockey League
Philadelphia Flyers Alumni
Copyright Disclaimer:
Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for Fair Use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and more. No copyright infringement intended.
www.prohockeyalumni.org
[e-mail]

[@sharktooth64]

Pete was a hell of a player, and an even better human being ...RIP

[@charge416]

What a guy, nothin but class

[@kylerobinson6102]

Was a huge fan of his when I was a kid but had no idea he'd passed on. What a guy.

[@jeffreywolfe1]

Wow. What a supremely good human being. Thanks for telling his story. His morality, ethics and values put the Brian Burkes of the world to shame.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

agreed .. Peter was a kind soul. THX!

[@Seoulmanaja]

In Toronto I played in this tournament called the Multicultural Tournament. Highest level of hockey I ever played. Years later I found out that Peter Zezel was the guy that sponsored the whole thing. Incredible generosity on his part....RIP Peter

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

great anecdote ... thx for sharing!

[@peterjames7324]

I bumped into Peter once, I think it was the summer of 1986, on South Street in Philly. South Street was a popular night spot and he was just hanging out by himself, looking for for something to do. He wasn't much older than me and my friends. What I remember was how nice he was, and he had the thickest legs I had ever seen. That Flyers team in the mid 80's was loaded with young guys, and they really owned the city. They worked their asses off.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

thx for watching ... a very special -- an underrated era -- of Flyers hockey ... The Pelle tragedy derailed a dynasty.

[@TransfictionTV]

Met him when I was a kid and got an autograph. I remember it fondly

[@daimionhollins528]

Just didn't realize how great a man Zezel was. I learned something new that should of years ago. R.I.P. Peter Zezel. You're greatly missed by not only your family and friends,.. but your adoring fans, that come to see you play every game.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

excellent comment and much appreciated!

[@daimionhollins528]

@@ProHockeyAlumni thanks for your reply. Respect

[@louieloudog8533]

Zezel and Tochett were my favorite flyers growing up as a teenager in the Philly subs,, what a run we had in 86-87, Gretzky and the boys were just too much for us ,in the end. It still was a great time for Flyers hockey! Rest easy Peter , thanks for kindness and the memories!

[@indierockyhockey]

It was such a great run with the Flyers! So pissed what hockey did to him in the end. RIP ZEZ

[@indierockyhockey]

PS I have a signed Zezel hockey jersey. YES! 💚

[@louieloudog8533]

@@indierockyhockey was some good times back then, not the same atmosphere at the games nowadays like it was at the spectrum. Oh yeah I still have a signed Tochett jersey lol. It is sad to see loss of those guys that we idolized

[@indierockyhockey]

@@louieloudog8533 my nephew is a huge Tocchet fan. When Tocchet was traded to the penguins, he became a penguins fan 😭 I've always made a point to remind him where he came from at every opportunity 💚😂 I will say the Flyers were always very gracious to my nephew when he went to hockey games wearing his new jersey, despite his changing teams 🤦‍♀️💚

[@indierockyhockey]

@@louieloudog8533 Tocchet has come out a few times talking about Zezel and it's really very heartwarming and sad. 💚

[@Acncan]

I was honoured to have met him when I was managing in Junior A. He was the type of guy who treated everyone like a friend instantly. I remember talking about his face off winning skills with him and the humble man that he was he instantly downplayed them. He always tried to give the credit to others. Heaven has a place for good souls like Peter Zezel.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

great comment -- thank you for leaving it!

[@leemark63]

Damn to those NHL coaches/GM's/etc who belittled him during his career. Karma is real. Peace Peter.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Different times for sure ... grateful players are treated like human beings these days.

[@wa2k99]

Karma isn't real

[@mikewhipkey6863]

@@wa2k99 thank you I think that we are the only two that believe this

[@sheeplehunter9651]

@@wa2k99 It's like any religion, you can't prove it exists and you can't prove it doesn't.

[@jondohnson5538]

Amen 🙏 @ Lee

[@RayOfHope612]

Peter Zezel was a real good man. What an inspiration he was, R.I.P

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

agreed ... thanks fro watching!

[@Dano-jb1ze]

That story put tears in my eyes... Rest in Peace Peter....❤

[@kjw7815]

Best face off guy in the league. Loved him.

[@robz4825]

Could barely watch this. Zezel and that Flyers team from the 80's are my favorite memories as a Flyers fan. Damn shame. Life just isnt fair sometimes. RIP Peter

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

thanks for watching ... and for the great feedback!

[@advanceromance2656]

I went to art school in Philly in the 80's, I had a photography class and went to a Flyers practice, he let me take an entire roll of photos of him, meanwhile they're playing the Habs in the Wales conference finals. He says to me, "Did you get the shot you need?" And yes, Keenan was chirping all the while. PZ was a fantastic, caring, inspirational person. This brings a tear to my eye. BTW PZ had the primary assist on Sinisalo's game 1 ot goal at the Spectrum. Thank you Pro Hockey Alumni.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

That's a great well-constructed comment and it is greatly appreciated. Excellent memories of Peter!

[@yoholmes273]

Where are these pictures man?

[@advanceromance2656]

@@yoholmes273 Yeah. I recently came across a picture that's in my portfolio. No helmet, brilliant feathered hockey hair and a smile to boot.

[@91Redmist]

Probably the best of his Era I've ever seen on face offs. Won practically every key draw in clutch situations. Such a sad story to see how his life wound down. RIP.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Incredibly bad fortune ... but a high-quality NHL pivot. Hull scored 72 on his line.

[@jrwilson9577]

Peter was a great hockey player, if I owned a team I would want 25 of him on it! Peter was even greater as a man! We need a million more of him!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

agreed ... a rare breed. Thanks.

[@day1avsfan907]

2:38 How have I never seen this hit before today?!? That was a thing of beauty

[@geographyinaction7814]

When he asked to be traded to a team closer to his ailing neice, they didn't, they traded him as far away from his neice as they could. For that one reason, I will always hate Burke, the Canucks and the douchebags behind that move. Zezel was a great Leaf back in 93, and when Burke came to the Leafs, I was choked. On a more jovial note, loved him in 'Youngblood', with Lowe, Swayze, and Reeves.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks GIA ... situation was mishandled but Peter handled it with class. I gotta re-watch Youngblood

[@stevencooke6451]

Burke is a human sh%% stain.

[@grantpurdy4137]

@@stevencooke6451 yep. Karma will come a calling ......

[@bobcatsbasement9831]

@Projekt Kobra I’m sure Ted Greens family would love knowing Makis 11 is in the rafters

[@boblum3360]

agreed. I have disliked Burke ever since. Rest in peace Mr Zezel

[@lazzy2012]

I totally forgot about Him. Seems like a champ.

[@louiecmancuzo2903]

I remember being a little boy back in the mid to late 80s playing roller hockey in the streets of Philly and pretending to be Peter Zezel. Even as a little boy I remember the hype in Philly when he was drafted. What a great dude with a sad story. Class act all the way.

[@jok3r906]

This man... This man is someone I'd love to see my son grow up to be, and I wish more men would be like... It's said to see the best people go through things because of inconsiderate and disrespectful people

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Good sentiments -- and thanks for sharing them!

[@PfP1967]

Thank you Peter Zezel and family. Peter was a hero.

[@puckvoice]

I covered the NHL as a radio reporter in the 80s and 90s and interviewed Peter several times. A true gentleman. RIP.

[@joekraftchek8718]

Pete was incredible to us kids in Scarborough. It was an honor to play street hockey with him. Miss you my friend. Thank-you for all the great memories of my childhood

[@joeblow1607]

My dad worked with mr. zezel in his last years in Markham , I attended his hockey camp when I was a kid, zez was a great guy , very humble and considerate , the calf muscles on that guy was insane , best face off guy to play the game , miss yea zez thanks for the memories RIP Peter Zezel

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

great memories -- THX for watching!

[@joeblow1607]

Great work , 👍🏻 keep it up

[@stevenwilgus5422]

Loved him as a Flyer. He was a quality person. (You know you've done well when we remember you the way our postings indicate. May he rest in Peace. Hockey players are like that.)

[@KingHayabusa384]

A great player and an amazing human being.

[@discoveryman59]

As a Leafs Peter Zezel competed like no other Leaf! he was relentless! RIP Peter Zezel..

[@mikegolden2949]

I had the pleasure of playing with Peter when I was younger playing in a men's league in Toronto. He chatted with my dad who was our goalie at the time. Amazing guy and the world was made a better place because of him,

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

excellent memories -- very glad you shared them!

[@markzabel2631]

Loved him with the Blues!

[@bbullwits258]

I never knew how great a man he was, shame on me. Rip, Mr. Zezil. Your legacy is incredibly inspiring. 💞🇨🇦

[@Olegstuff21986]

He was a kind-hearted man, RIP Peter Zezel.

[@mannyanagnostakis444]

Was at a bar once with a friend of mine that also played with NY Rockets (CSL) he introduced me to Zezel, this guy had a presence, couldn't believe the size of his neck and legs, a beast and a great person

[@kimheffernan5511]

I dated him in Toronto and the press called him stocky…lol. He was a solid man physically and emotionally. No one has anything bad to say about Peter.

[@chriscostello117]

I knew this man well as a kid. My pops was the S&T coach of the Caps from 86-04. Great man, my dad thought nothing but the world of this man.

[@joshgarbemusic]

Glad to come across this vid. Loved watching him play when I was a kid. The Leafs of 93 were awesome. Even though Gilmour, Clark and Andreychuk were the stars of that team the Zezel, Berg, Osborne line were fantastic. They were known as a checking line but could come up with big goals too. RIP Peter.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Cool memories and great assessment of Peter's play ... THX!

[@LordStanley94]

You stated it really well. I loved to watch the Leafs. Those lines you mentioned were unreal. They deserved a Cup!

[@chonconnor6144]

Not a Leafs fan but the 1993 team was their best in my lifetime, solid and skilled.

[@matvey3482]

He even gave up his career to be with his family. Very hard to find someone who would choose what Peter chose and he will be remembered. Rest in Peace Peter 😢

[@monztermovies]

As a huge Flyers fan growing up in the 80’s, Zezel played a charity softball game at my middle school. he was signing autographs in the center of at least 150 kids. I didn’t hv a pencil or paper, but being in this chaotic tidal wave of kids spastically extending their pens and paper high above their heads shouting to Zezel, i reached higher And somehow snatched both a pencil and a piece of paper from two separate unsuspecting kids and managed to weasel my way up to Zezel to get his autograph. RIP Zezel. 😌

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

great story MM .. thanks for sharing!

[@mackaready1]

Cool story! Those were great times 80s Phila sports great players. That's an awesome memory.

[@monztermovies]

@@mackaready1 thanks! 😎

[@oilersridersbluejays]

I was a really young boy in that 87 Cup Final. I despised the Flyers especially Hextall but I really had a lot of respect for Zezel. Any time he touched the puck I was uneasy. Not until I was much older did I really get to see what kind of a gentleman he really was off the ice, although I could see it on the ice. RIP.

[@CamMacMastermusic]

So….. you stole the opportunity away from 2 other kids to have a Zezel autograph? Great 👍🏻

[@paulgeraghty6112]

Zezy helped make watching the Flyers exciting......miss him

[@vincentmurphy9252]

I worked through college at a bar in hotel and I met tons of sports people 80s-90s I met him a a few times always a awesome guy .

[@CATMANJess]

Played for both the Flyers and the Leafs my two favorite teams, this guy was a pure class act and should be in the hall of fame

[@stevemcculloch9164]

I'll never forget him and Hull together. He was a great Blue and do remember he did alot of charity work.A classy guy wish more guys were like him today

[@georgeanthony7282]

Sometimes we tend to forget that athletes face life's challenges just like anyone else. R.I.P. Peter Zezel.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

yes ... kind of a subplot to many of our videos. THX!

[@Classicrocker6119]

I do recall hearing of the death of Peter Zezel but was totally unaware of the details until now. I love all of your videos but this one is definitely the best. Those of us who appreciate hockey and it’s rich history are not always of how players conduct themselves off the ice. Now because of social media we tend to hear of negative activity fairly quickly. I try to avoid that. Peter loved hockey and I admire him for taking a stand and placing family priorities ahead of playing the game. May he RIP

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks ClassicRocker ... great and well-written feedback, as always!

[@mikec886]

He was a great Scarboro boy

[@tomgeoghegan9173]

@@mikec886 Good old Scareborough:)

[@andrewborody]

This is heart-wrenching

[@denisjl100]

way to go burkie, this no class act fits you like a glove. peter died of hemolytic anemia the same sickness that nearly killed my son. i'm glad that my bosses were more sympathetic than you were. remember what goes around comes around.

[@joewasrippedoff8152]

Burke and Keenan are both jerks and I’m surprised they have not been cancelled in todays world I can only imagine the skeletons these two have in their closets.

[@two-nine7730]

The comments regarding Burke justified.There is no doubt in my mind he sincerely regrets this. With the loss of his son,sympathy,empathy,has returned to this man, Sometimes tragedy forces us all to try a make a difference.

[@denisjl100]

@@two-nine7730 i hope so but why does it take his own tragedy to make him see the wrong he has done. zezel asks for a trade to an east coast team and burke sends him as far away as he can. there is a callousness there that i can't fathom.

[@two-nine7730]

@Projekt Kobra Yes.

[@two-nine7730]

@@denisjl100 That is what it took.Many of us are so consumed with ''Me,Me,Me''. As was in this situation,with Burke.My case,not a situation,but a life changing tragedy. Burke would no doubt agree..You can't change the past,but if you admit your mistakes, moving forward is possible,trying ''One day at a time''If you choose not too, your existence is irrelevant.

[@Hafmanhaffamazn]

We need more with his heart and should strive to be like him

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

yes, you are correct. THX!

[@cathieleahy3832]

Thank you for printed this. Peter was a wonderful man and player.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Couldn't agree more!

[@mulletoutdooradventures6286]

Unless you lived in Philly in the mid 80s you really can't appreciate Peter. I met him a few times at Flyers Wives Carnivals and he was always so cool. Ill never forget those years he was here. Pelle Lindbergh țhen Hextalls rookie year were some of the best hockey I've ever seen. We didn't have any true super stars but we trashed everyone but that Oilers team. Even after Pelle passed with a slew of trash goaltending. And Zezel was a cornerstone of this teams

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Those Flyers teams were so well constructed ... One of the best teams of that generation and such a great organization, as well. THX!

[@NewBluesBros]

Howe and McCrimmon. The best.

[@geocooley7282]

As a Capital fan back then and now…I admired the guy. Even before he played for “us” My dad is a Flyer fan so we went to many Capitals/Flyers games while I was growing up.

[@AZDC99]

@@geocooley7282 Damn, another Caps fan signs in before me! I ain't gonna lie, I HATED THOSE FLYERS TEAMS in the 80s. Zezel is another Philly legend to me.

[@geocooley7282]

@@AZDC99 I was there when Hunter destroyed Murphy. Thing of beauty. (:I still wear my red Hunter jersey with pride.

[@lindaredforth3899]

Thank you, Peter was a Gem ❤️

[@The333]

I have been a Flyers fan for years and Zezel's prime days in Philly are some of my best memories - he was definitely one of the most popular players with the fans. I never knew about how hard Keenan was on him (Keenan had the reputation for being a tough coach in Philly) and I never knew about the vindictive trade by Burke (what an a$$hole). Great video. RIP, Zezz.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks very much for leaving your excellent memories about Peter ... greatly appreciated!

[@dougraddi908]

Zezel will always be one of my favorite Flyer. This guy was dynamite.

[@gjbeaudry1484]

I wrote my comment with about 4 minutes left... Nothing got in my eyes this time, you really hit me in the feels!.. I'm writing this one through genuinely sad tears!!! Peter Zezel showed us how we should treat each other... Gone too soon!!! Thanks PHA!!!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

you are welcome, my friend ... your comments are very meaningful and appreciated!

[@robcarmichael1508]

R.I.P. Peter Zezel great man on and off the ice, much respect.He was also cousins with Alex Lifeson of RUSH.

[@naysan2008]

Astounding video. Wonderful tribute to a stellar player; and a man who's heart was bigger than any city he played in.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thank you very much ... I agree with your assessment.

[@mikec886]

His mother was awesome

[@brunotulliani]

What a beautiful comment.

[@ianhowarth2656]

I remember Zezel mostly from his days with the Flyers. When Philly came to Montreal back when Zezel was playing, you could expect some excitement - and a few fights. Brian Burke is a jerk for treating Zezel so poorly when he wanted to play in the East Coast to be closer to his niece who had cancer. I’m glad the whole thing blew up in Burke’s face. Zezel is a hero. Great video.

[@markonikolasevic9695]

Petar Žeželj 👍

[@brianathern9154]

The world needs another million Peter Zezels. What an incredible human being. And he was fun to watch 🏒

[@DefenderOfAvril]

Peter made the right choice, family is the most important thing. He was a true man ! 2:40 and that huge hit on Hunter was absolutely awesome

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

That hit -- according to the stats -- is the most watched part of the video.

[@k.s.7104]

Such a nice tribute to such a wonderful human being. Being an old River Rats fan from Albany I cannot thank Peter Zezel enough other then to say he will never be forgotten. Even though many great players came through Albany Peter is hands down one of my favorites. He was not just a competitive player but who set the example for younger developing players as well. His love of the fans in Albany was shown in how he carried himself off the ice. I have a picture of him with my own nephew who is now 33. When fans in Albany chose him to represent the team at the AHL ALL Star game didn't disappoint. In a minor league event which most called up players would skip there was Peter Zezel to honor his all star selection and the Albany fans who loved him....Thank you Peter. God Bless that amazing soul of yours, you're one of my favorite players, rest easy...

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Great comment that is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave it.

[@k.s.7104]

The honor is all mine. Peter spent his life putting others first. He was such a selfless person, truly a man of character. The hockey world, his family, and friends lost a good one but definitely not forgotten. His legacy is one of work hard, be selfless and do good.

[@1Nanerz]

One of the greatest souls to ever come out of my hometown.

[@ritchfolmer9798]

Mark, thanks for always showing us that these people grew up and came from the same small towns we did. It’s nice to know that Peter put his morals taught to him from his parents above his career. He always stayed humble and I’ll never forget the 93 playoffs , where I believed no one could beat him in the face off circle! Peter is definitely looking down on us with his niece and thank you again mark for your research and awesome videos and podcasts!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks Ritch ... a great comment and very much appreciated ... I spend the extra time on these videos because I know serious students of the game -- such as you -- will appreciate it. Thx very much.

[@djquinn11]

What a sad story, this was a man of true character.

[@chrislouden7329]

RIP Peter! I'm and always a huge fan of you

[@MojoPin1983]

God bless Peter. He was pure class and he had a beautiful heart.

[@ChillBillReal]

Rest in peace man I am and have always been a flyers fan and he is one of my favorite flyers ever

[@joe-vl3nd]

I worked as a flight attendant for TWA in St Louis we took the Blues to matches I remember Peter Zesel and a nice friendly person Good hockey player to

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks for sharing your memory of Peter!

[@ejf0255]

Tears. Wow. Glad I got to watch this. Great job. Great man.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thank you ... Greatly appreciate your thoughts!

[@jamescaron6465]

You have to respect a man who leaves on his own terms and principles. I remember him to be tough, hard skating and played the game the right way. A fine player and even better man. We need more guys like him in sports. He died much too young.

[@mlk08012]

Always loved Zezel when he was in Philly.

[@ChuckBastie]

I was at that ceremony in Scarborough where they named a street after Peter. Those pictures of Peter signing the yellow jerseys of kids was taken in my back yard hockey rink on the Scarborough Bluffs at a charity event we threw. Both Peter and Mark Osborne attended our Hockey Day in Canada event out of the goodness of their hearts. I was thankful to have met and played hockey with Peter and he was a class act gentleman.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

A high value comment -- thanks for leaving it!

[@averagedad3558]

Grew up two streets over from where he grew up. Whenever the flyers were in town we would always run over and ask if Peter could come out. Always would. Always would sign autographs. Always would stand around and talk with us, even some street hockey from time to time. 100% class act and an all around good person.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

fantastic insights ... thanks so very much for taking the time to leave your comments!

[@shermanharmon9214]

Mike Keenan' ego kept him from being a legendary coach. You don't increase a players confidence by humiliating him.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Mike patterned himself to be Scott Bowman 2.0 ... he took it too far. With his teaching skills he should still be coaching -- but he ruined his reputation by acting like a tyrant.

[@NewBluesBros]

We always thought of Iron Mike as a hockey Hitler.

[@rubberneckinc.8937]

Well said & 💯 agree

[@rubberneckinc.8937]

I live in "Flyers Country" & Zezel was about as popular an athlete can get. Along with Tocchet & Mellenby. The ladies extra loved them so much. Quality player but a way better person. R.I.P.

[@chonconnor6144]

He just couldnt get over himself enough to take the next step.

[@peterjohnson617]

Thank you for that.......what a good person he was rest easy Peter

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thank you for watching, Peter ... and I greatly appreciate your comment.

[@mrnobody3161]

Thanks for posting. Sadly sometimes only the good die young. Perhaps we're not always worthy of their presence.

[@akanzeki]

A true legend in every way. May he rest in peace

[@johnnyraven4217]

Great story and what wonderful person he was.

[@jwestphal1978]

I just remember him being a beast in the face off circle. No matter where the puck was dropped, he always won it. Gilmour, Cullen, and, Zezel. Miss those days!

[@johnv4866]

I remember when he was on Keenan's Flyers. He was a damn good player. What I never knew was what a decent human he was

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

I remember when I watched him as a kid with the Blues. RIP

[@josephdesenclos2769]

What an incredible man of solid character! RIP Peter Z.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

agreed! Thank you.

[@mfsperring]

I'm ashamed to admit I had forgotten about Peter Zezel. Thank you for reminding me. Lots of things I didn't know so hopefully I will remember from now on.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks for watching ... remembering the legends is why we are here.

[@danmorley8116]

Thank you for this video. I remember Peter Zezel from his days as a Leaf. He was a thoroughly decent human being, unlike many of the people he played for. What a shame he died so young. It was great that the city named a street after him.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

You are welcome .. and thanks for sharing your thoughts on Peter.

[@BillyJoeMcallister]

I'm in Vancouver and I remember Peter's committment to his niece and the cover up before hand as we pieced the story together. Sadly years later Brian Burke would have a tragedy with his family too, just saying ( I like Brian a great deal ). Again thanks for humanizing these great people we share memories with on the ice, but they are people first! RIP Mr. Zezel.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Always appreciate your insight ... Brian would have handled this differently later in life ... we all learn and grow. THX again for your feedback.

[@frankfossella6863]

Peter Zezel was amazing person.

[@penguinp403]

Crazy ! Forgot about this guy , great man

[@mortimerbrewster1028]

Great job on this video. Thank you for keeping his memory alive.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks, as always, Mort ... greatly appreciated.

[@briangoguen8547]

One of the underrated greats!

[@pal6636]

Met him once . My ifirst impression was that he felt everyone was worth his time . He put others first and even as he knew his fare he made sure he said something for his mother carry, to ease her after he had passed. . Keenan and Burke . There are hundreds of players who have stories between these two.

[@RichStrickler]

Another great video. Keep cranking them out!!! Well done and much appreciated tribute to a solid hockey player and superior human being. As a Flyers fan, I remember Peter Zezel very well. He was absolutely adored by the fan base. Did so much charity work off ice, and was an integral part of the upstart Flyers team in the mid-80s. Great video!!!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks, Rich .. that was an amazing comment and I greatly appreciate your thoughtful feedback!

[@angelofinaldi5918]

I do not cry to sad things.....there are plenty....but this one had me...the beauty...of a good man.... Quite a few like Zezel....go away at a young age....is there something...we don't know...

[@63shakeandbake]

Peter's first cousin is Alex Lifeson, the guitarist in the rock band "Rush". I remember Peter as always being a hard working player. On the ice he rarely made mistakes and was always a big part of any team he was on.

[@Wolves1967]

Thank you for taking the time to put this video together. I am in tears, i loved Zezel as a Maple Leaf!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

You are so welcome! I produce these for true fans like you. Thank you!

[@extremelycareless2541]

I knew Pete. He was class. PERIOD.

[@theadventuresofjimmycrapol8827]

I remember the day Peter Zezel died. I was in Toronto and just bought a new suit that day. My girlfriend and I went back to the hotel room after a dinner out and turned the TV on when we heard the news. One of my all time favorite Leafs.

[@demetriosvratis6583]

hi there great hockey player remember when he was playing with the Philadelphia flyers under mike Keenan my condolences to the family may his soul rest in peace

[@eddy5097]

Greek community loved this man when he was in Toronto RIP Peter Zezel

[@kytho7425]

He was my favourite player as a child not sure why but I loved him

[@pistolchimp217]

Always Loved Zezel he was underrated as a player and now I see as a person RIP Mr Zezel

[@ronbonora7872]

I met Peter he was a class person and also a class hockey player. May he rest in peace.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Glad u had the opportunity to meet him ... Thanks for sharing.

[@pellelindbergh4455]

i almost could not finish watch this .i was tearing up so much ,what a great vids ,one if not your best

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks Pelle ... a lot of heart-breaking stories with the Flyers for sure ... Thanks again for watching!

[@williamhauswirth958]

What an amazing man. God bless you. RIP Peter. He was a man who knew what it was all about!!!