Famous Graves : My Most Personal Grave Visit Yet | Peter Zezel | NHL Star’s Life & Tragic Death

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Peter Zezel[a] (April 22, 1965 - May 26, 2009) was a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who spent 15 seasons in the National Hockey League from 1984 to 1999. He was born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario.
In October 2001, Zezel almost died of the rare blood disorder that eventually claimed his life: hemolytic anemia. At the time he made a full recovery, but in 2009 his condition worsened and he was "close to death". Zezel underwent chemotherapy and had his spleen removed as part of his treatment.
Shortly after his splenectomy, Zezel began complaining of serious headaches. Roughly 12 hours later, he once again underwent surgery, during which time surgeons had found hemorrhaging in his brain. He slowly lapsed into a coma, and was placed on life-support once his organs began to fail. Because Zezel wanted to donate his organs, his family made the decision to remove him from life support that the organs might be preserved. Zezel died on May 26, 2009, with the service taking place at the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Mississauga. Zezel never married and had no children.
In July 2014, a street in a new development in Scarborough was named Zezel Way to honour Zezel.

[@billmurray4063]

Thank you for your video; I was surprised to find it in my Recommended list today. I was the Head Atheltic Trainer for the New Jersey Devils, 1996-2007, and I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Peter for parts of two seasons. Peter was already legendary by the time he came to us towards the end of his career. He was one of the nicest and friendliest guys and we clicked right away. We shared many stories and lots of laughs together and some serious, personal moments as well since he was experiencing some challenges in his life and career. Your video brought back a flood of memories, all good, and I appreciate that. Whenever I eat French fries I often think of him; he always tried to convince me to eat my fries with mayonnaise instead of ketchup and was relentless; I still never have.

[@zevgriffin734]

instablaster...

[@LordStanley94]

Thanks for sharing your story

[@twistoffate4791]

I am sorry for the loss of your friend. This video must've been tough to watch. I must agree with you that fries with mayonnaise isn't appealing, lol. I dip mine into my chocolate shake, which people find puzzling. I am glad you have good memories of Peter.

[@nancyanne1402]

Mayo/ketchup mix is yum on fries, but NOTHING tops tartar sauce! One bite definitely won’t kill ya to try it.

[@frankpalancio8471]

I didn't realize he was dead. I remember him well when he played for Philly. Loved those Flyer teams of that era.

[@mattchatham9473]

When Peter played for the Flyers, he and several of the Flyers used to hang out down the Jersey shore in Margate during the summers. I was lucky enough to hang out with him. What a great guy. Taken from this world too soon.

[@AlmostReady504]

And now Alfie Solomons resides in Margate

[@discoveryman59]

No one worked harder than Peter Zezel, the man was a warrior! RIP Mr Zezel, one of my favorite Leafs.

[@trollslayergaming]

Born, raised in Philly and longtime flyers/hockey nut and Peter is and always will be a flyer those years losing pelle Lindbergh, the way those young men worked so hard for the city and each other was special.

[@indierockyhockey]

Amen 💚👍

[@christophermusso]

Thank you for this video. I watched Peter when he was w/ the St Louis Blues. Remembering those face-offs he won using his soccer skills still makes me smile. RIP Big Z 🙏

[@pumpkinking5174]

Grew up with those 80s Flyers teams....went to a ton of games at the Spectrum. Peter Zezel was a huge part of those teams. He was also cousins with Alex Lifeson of Rush. Good Serbian blokes.

[@raymondleicht9691]

Been a Flyers fan since early 70's. Loved Peter Zezel. RIP. Great video and tribute.

[@TheNewAgeFocus]

I use to live with my grandparents too. My grandfather and I watched Hockey Night in Canada every Wednesday and Saturday night. Eat Jiffy pop and watch the game. Miss those days.

[@louiecmancuzo2903]

I'm a big time Flyers fan. I remember all the hype around Zez back when he was drafted. Everyone in the city loved him. He was a great player for sure...but no one in Philly was better than Rod Brind'Amour at winning faceoffs. Even Lindross' numbers were up there in win percentage.

[@indierockyhockey]

Peter Zezel was my favorite hockey player. FLYERS always 🧡🖤 Still have my old school jersey signed by him #25

[@lostvlog6857]

I had no idea Peter had died till now, damn...

[@eliskagray1546]

I remember him as a leaf fan 90's. he died so young. Rip. Leafs lost tonight to Habs 2-1. Game one. First round.

[@kaymad143]

Thank you for sharing his story, it is a beautiful tribute. RIP Peter Zezel.

[@k.s.7104]

Hey thank you for sharing your visit of a truly amazing man, and one of a kind soul. Just a few days ago my sister gave me a photo I took many years ago. That photo was of my nephew who is now 33 with Peter Zezel. It was taken back in the mid 1990s in Albany NY while Peter played for the Albany River Rats. Peter was not just an amazing person on the ice but a very cool guy off the ice. He was so friendly, eager to meet the fans, especially the kids. Peter made you feel cool talking with him lol. It didn't matter the Devils organization sent him down to play in Albany, he carried himself as a hockey professional and he treated the fans in Albany with such grace and humility. There aren't too many guys that are so damn cool, down to earth, welcoming, approachable, and humble. That was Peter Zezel for sure.

[@beccafulmer]

Wonderful tribute Scott! And such a beautiful cemetery. 😘💜

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Thank you Becca! I’ve been going to this cemetery a lot over the years

[@mw2swrosa]

@@SCOTTONTAPE its the most peaceful place. I go to see my dad and end up there for hours. Then in Seattle I always got to Bruce and Brandon Lee's grave.

[@michaelbarton6548]

I knew Peter from my days working at the old Spectrum from '80 to '93

[@hulaGUNZ]

He was the face-off man you could always count on. p .s. May he and his family be remembered and rest in bliss.

[@ducimus031]

I remember him from that era, he was a humble talent but always left it all out in the ice. Much respect.

[@mickeysutherland7824]

Scott, what a beautiful tribute to Peter Zezel. I can feel your passion. God Bless 🙏🏼

[@brianfantana8510]

Love Peter Zezel. A terrific player who never forgot where he came from...and always gave back.

[@johnoxenreider9094]

I remember Peter Zezel with the Flyers, but was not aware of his passing. So young...

[@johnmorrison9758]

I got to play hockey with him probably a year or two before he died. It was a charity game and several ex- NHL players were put on both teams, and the rest of us paid for the privilege of playing with those guys. Peter was on my team. He was huge at that time and I was a bit shocked to see that, but of course, he could play the game well. I got his autograph after the game, along with several other ex pros. I was then shocked when I heard he died.

[@mrenzi610]

Peter Zezel was one of my favorite players from those mid 80's Flyers teams💯 .He was a great player and I remember him in Youngblood .RIP Zez 🙏➕

[@SM-wi1js]

Very nice tribute Scott. Coached minor hockey and one of our favourite drills was The Zezel Drill. He was a great hockey player and now I learn a phenomenal human being. RIP Peter

[@dontbeadrone]

Philly fan, here. Loved him!

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

What a great player

[@91Redmist]

He was a force on the draws. RIP to one of my original favorite Leaf players.

[@davidmckinney6577]

Beautiful cemetery and vlog my friend ✌️👍👌

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Thank you David ✌🏽✌🏽

[@paulconti4064]

Thanks so much for sharing, I was just thinking about him and your vid. Comes up. What wonderful memories. Peace ✌️

[@sawatisbillings8759]

I never knew he played soccer. Rest in peace Peter.

[@peterprincipe493]

I met him at a golf tournament around 2002. He was wearing shorts and a T-shirt. I remember his legs looked like tree trunks. Very strong man, and very nice. RIP Peter. Far too young to pass away.

[@bobabooey4537]

Great soccer player too.

[@chrissykaufman6393]

When I’d see him out he was so buff, wide shoulders and legs like tree trunks lol. When I hugged him he was so humongous to me lol. His hand covered my full back! Hehe

[@mr.nibbles2369]

Ironically Scott my mom and her siblings played tag in a cemetery and my grandparents raised me as well. It's kinda of sad that some people do not know much about there grandparents, I know just about everything about mine.

[@peterjeffery8495]

Our family moved to Kennedy Road in '65. Our house was about 50 yards N of the main gate and we went to Norman Cook & Midland. Dad and Mom are buried in the Veterans Section. I would bet you Fish & Chips at Corvette Plaza I know your Mom & Sibs, or your Grandparents by sight/by name, if not me one of my brothers likely would. Saw the video & couldn't resist. Peter Z was a leaf and a Scarberian...he was always a big deal. When I saw the gates of "The Cem" at about 20 sec's my jaw dropped. Be well Jo Jo and thanks a ton for this Scott! PS Corvette F & C is long gone so I guess I am wagering in spirit!

[@rosiedebevc1952]

Peter Zezel was a great hockey player. Really enjoy Peter Zezel when he played with the St. Louis Blues

[@charlesbabcock1530]

Me too...

[@MelicaEighty8]

I remember him for his brief stint with the St Louis Blues. I didn't realize he died that young.

[@mrbig4532]

I remember him getting traded for Mike Bullard to St Louis and it was around that point that the Flyers started breaking up that once young team put together under Bobby Clarke when they made him the General Manager and a young Mike Keenan was the coach , it was a young group of players who were put in a bad spot because a lot of them were replacing players who were on those 1970’s Stanley Cup teams so they were not expected to be as successful but stunned everyone going to two Stanley Cup finals against the Oilers who beat them both times but in the 86-87 finals the Flyers forced a game 7 had the lead in the first period but ended losing 3-1 , no shame to lose to the greatest team ever assembled

[@rediscoveryrecords1348]

Good video. Thanks for sharing. I rememebr him well

[@karenbavington1870]

What an interesting story about Peter Zezel. You are so sweet Scotty. You touch every heart especially mine when you pay tribute to someone who is very dear to you or to someone you love very much. I was taken to watch hockey games when I was really little by my Dad who loved hockey. Didn’t know much at all about hockey then, but remember men running around with sticks hitting goals with a lot of clapping. Of course we had hockey sticks at home, even little ones that were given to my brothers by my Dad. My brothers played hockey with their friends at the oval in front of our house. Thank you for bringing back some beautiful memories. I enjoyed watching this video. Glad you are doing well during this lockdown but I am sure you will be back in the US as soon as this phase is over. Take care. Love from all of us. ❤️🤗✌🏼💕

[@cirillosongs]

Maple leaf gardens had yellow seats and the boards, and the stands were a straight angle. Al Iafrate, Wendel Clark

[@dianepancel-pierce4478]

I love all of your vlogs Scott but this one is definitely my favourite. I had no clue that Peter had passed away.. One of the greatest hockey players plus like your sister, I had the biggest crush on him. I remember that game against the Canucks when he scored that goal!! May he rest in peace.

[@Whittdocs]

A great video, Scott. The personal stories are very touching. Thanks for sharing.

[@donnaferrara947]

Thanks for the memories of a great Flyer who left us far too early. I crossed paths with him many years ago (mid 1980's) in an IHOP in South Jersey, one Sunday morning. I was leaving and he held the door for me as he came inside. The knuckles on his hands were huge! I do remember his passing, as my dad died of the same blood disorder in 2007. RIP Peter.

[@mesolo6411]

Thank you Scott for keeping Peter’s memory alive. P.S. How sad is it that when I hear about Scarborough all I can think of Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka?

[@steelbrigadekory]

Unfortunately, you're not the only one

[@stephaniesmith9094]

Great tribute and enjoyed the words of his life.

[@tonyfox7510]

Like many here I was unaware of Peter Zezel's passing. I do however remember him as a solid player for the Leafs and was known for being a master at winning face-offs. God bless him and may he Rest In peace. 🙏

[@robertbabb]

i no him well Philadelphia Flyers Washington Capitals St. Louis Blues Toronto Maple Leafs Dallas Stars New Jersey Devils Vancouver Canucks

[@annemurrayfan80]

peter zezel was fantastic. he played for philadelphia, st louis, washington, toronto, dallas, new jersey and vancouver. I remember when he played for all those teams. hard to believe hes been gone 11 years now. rip zezel. your missed. thanks for all you did brother. mike NHL Fan since 1987

[@tomdulle1707]

I loved watching Peter play when he was with the Blues. I had no idea he had passed. What a great guy he was. I'm sure he was loved in every city he played.

[@ApolloKnights]

Your so polite Scott, if I was a woman, it maybe considered infatuation but yea🤩😍🤩😍🤩😍🤩😍

[@debramccrosson2334]

Didn't know about Peter really a outstanding guy RIp

[@74JDB]

Sorry about George and your grandma. Yes l'm a hockey nut and l remember Peter Zezel. God bless their souls. Can you do a KZbin tribute for John "The Incredible Hulk" Kordic and Greg "The Birddog" Smyth? Thanks for your time and God Bless. Go Rangers.

[@andyc9979]

I remember zezel well with the flyers and leafs. I know he played with a few other teams as well. I didn't know he passed away in 09. Went and read up on it and it's sad. From his early health scares to the serious headaches he had just before passing.

[@BermondseyBoy]

12:57 did you see the squirral

[@nickelliott1174]

Peter was a fan favorite here in St. Louis when he played for the Blues. So tragic.

[@virnan]

Wow, I never knew he was in Youngblood.

[@marie-louises.4701]

Rest in Peace Peter Zezel 🙏🙏🙏

[@trinisniper7064]

AM A NEW JERSEY DEVILS FAN I WAS SO HAPPY HE HAD A SEASON WITH US WHEN THE DEVILS WERE WINNING CUPS IN THE EARLY 2000S BUT I LOVED HIM AS A FLYER EVEN THOUGH I HATED FLYERS..HE WAS GREAT ON A TEAM OF GUYS LIKE TIM KERR BRIAN PROPP RICK TOCHETT DAVE BROWN SCOTT MELANBY RON HEXTALL LINDSAY CARSON ETC HE WAS EPIC TOUGH A BANGER AN COULD SCORE RIP LEGEND

[@newfiejoe4998]

HE WAS A GREAT MAN WHO LOVED PEOPLE. I USED TO DO ODD JOBS FOR HIM WITH MY DAD, WHICH HE LOVED TO HAVE AROUND. HE AND MY DAD WERE ALWAYS JOKING AROUND. SOMETIMES, WE COULD HARDLY GET OUR WORK DONE. GREAT MEMORIES! I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING HIM AGAIN, IN THE NEW WORLD.

[@blarfneggs3728]

Hey Scott You should do the Pelle Lindbergh crash if you're ever back in Philly.

[@DarkSkies72]

I had no idea that was him in Youngblood, I’ve seen that movie a 100 times. He was a great leaf and I loved Pat Burns. 🇨🇦

[@MrSt0008]

That is really great of you to honour your brother like that . Feels like there is some healing involved in it - i hope so . God bless

[@Supesfan88]

I'm a bit young to remember Zezel playing, but I remember when he died - the outpouring of messages from people all over Toronto and the NHL. My grandparents, my aunt and my uncle's parents (supposedly) are buried at Pine Hills. Did you ever go to Corvette Fish n Chips that use to be on Kennedy right before the Cemetery (Right after the A&P (Giant Tiger now)? They had the best Fish and chips in Scarborough when I was a kid. And they remembered your order! Even if it had been months between visits.

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Hey there no I actually don’t remember corvette fish and chips . I remember the fish and chips place at peanut plaza tho!

[@johnconnolly6011]

I remember him well . flyers fan

[@JoshJoel800]

Keep up the great work man. It's heart breaking that you have family and friends in that cemetery.

[@pellelindbergh6523]

I was a big Zezel fan....Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@kimheffernan5511]

My sweet Pete. I dated him in the 90’s and he was an amazing guy. So funny and he loved to laugh. I will never forget him. Pete I still think of you, luv Spud

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

So nice of you to write that thank you Kim

[@sepandjazzi]

Enjoyed this video - very heartfelt.

[@stewartsnape1231]

I remember seeing him.play on tv with leafs back in the 80s now I think

[@ApolloKnights]

Zezel over the left shoulder of who was that Ken wregget

[@wjpalmar]

i remember him, former flyer he was so young

[@tracyroth-myers5574]

Scott you are a really great person. I love the sensitivity you give to your true life stories. The care and the time that you invest is phenomenal. Like I have said before some of the very best videos I have ever seen. Beautiful video and touching.

[@indierockyhockey]

Thank you for this! 💛🖤💚💚💚

[@carebear69ism]

Thank you so much Scott, the way you tell a story about people, and places you love makes me feel as though you honor their legacy and bring about the person in such a compassionate way. Great work. Much Love & Peace 💞

[@nolanfranze342]

Good stuff brotha

[@chrislatulippe4477]

R.I.P Peter. Love you're videos Scott, But I am a bruins fan so let's go B's.

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Thank you Chris! Who knows it could be another first round match up this year! We need our revenge on the B’s!

[@medicmark9683]

That’s a great video..but still have to say GO SENS GO

[@canklehater]

Fans loved Peter on any team he played on.He was a better person than hockey player.Fact!

[@74JDB]

Also l forgot, God bless your grandparents and George, and Peter Zezel

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Thank you so much ✌🏽✌🏽

[@TheRealBeep5050]

Back in Christmas of 1993, I was working as a cleaner at Yorkdale Mall & remember that Peter Zezel was there one day at Roots (I think) giving away personalized autographs on his Leafs cards. Super nice guy, always remembered how kind he was. That "Youngblood" clip has Zezel sitting next to Steve Thomas, another Leafs legend :)

[@kathyspanner3755]

He died to soon he was my sister s favorite player I bought her a leaf jersey with his name on it for Christmas she had the honor of meeting him and he signed it for her she still has that jersey to this day memories

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

That is an awesome story thank you for sharing. Peter was incredible to fans.

[@edward1081]

Peter zezel was a great hockey player had a chance to see him play with the blues and the make-believes you be well missed

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

The make-believes lol. Yes he is definitely missed Ed

[@edward1081]

@@SCOTTONTAPE I met to say the Toronto maple leafs I. Meet to

[@phantomstratocaster]

will forever be a flyer there is no higher honor

[@shamm7]

Best Face off man I ever saw. Move over Bobby Clark, and Darrel Sittler

[@Angel-jg5se]

Beautiful,,,,❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@elizabethsulliman]

I remember when he was on the flyers and he was a fan favorite. I didn't know how he died. The fact that he was so sick, but just kept going til he couldn't anymore....says a lot about him. Boo to brian burke!!!

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Boo to Burke! I knew you would know who Peter was Elizabeth, he truly was so underrated.

[@elizabethsulliman]

@@SCOTTONTAPE my sister's co worker was in love with him and rod brind'amour...those were the days!

[@mapleleafsfan27]

I loved watching him play. Gone way to soon.

[@chrissykaufman6393]

I met Peter a few times while he was on the Flyers. I saw him a few times at his favorite & my favorite place “Pulsations night club “ we almost dated lol. In 2002 I reached out to him at his camp, not thinking he’d return my call but he did & we talked for hours.. he confided in me about life.. we really got along.. he called me every morning... Gone too soon Pete xo

[@kamcr]

Zezzel was awesome

[@sebastianterranova5406]

Dammmmm this one really got me Scott.Tgank you so very much for making this video.He is truly one of the greatest Leafs ever.WHITE AND BLUE THROUGH AND THROUGH.👍👍👍👍👍🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@esthergoulart3571]

RIP Peter!! So sad!! Great video Scott!! He was a great player!! Gone too soon!! Stay safe my friend!! Love you and your channel!! 💙💙❤️❤️🙏🙏🥰🥰🌺🌺🌺✌️✌️✌️😢😢😢

[@99ronmarsh]

Go Leafs Go! We need his help for tonight's big game! R. I. P.

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Yes! Go Leafs!

[@PD-hv4js]

Nice to remember a fine man!

[@ABC-ox8ej]

Scott...FYI...he did play hockey after his NHL days were over. He suited up for the Cambridge Hornets in the Senior AAA league in Ontario before the Hornets folded.

[@geographyinaction7814]

Didn't watch the whole film, it upsets me, sorry if I repeat anything from the clip. Here is what I remember. I liked Zezel. I remember watching him in '93, his foot skills with the puck on the boards, and his face-off skills were tremendous, helped the Leafs to one goal shy of the final. He was a team player wherever he went. He was in the movie Youngblood with Rob Lowe, Keanu Reeves, and Patrick Swayze, and also acted as a hockey consultant. Been a Leafs fan all my life but I moved to BC from Toronto when I was young...what the Canucks did to him was a disgrace. His niece was dying of cancer in Toronto, and he asked Burke for a trade back east so he could be with her; Burke sent him to Anaheim. He was a great hockey player, great football (soccer) player, he was a good man....he didn't deserve that.

[@AlmostReady504]

Wow. Remember him well.

[@chrisbaise4333]

His Old Man owned The Alpine on Kingston Rd. In the 80’s the Leafs would go there and my Dad brought me there to meet the 86 Leafs team. In my glory as a 6 yo. Years later we met him @ Dentonia Golf Course. His Jeep still had his Texas plates and talked to us for a few minutes. He was a legend in East end Toronto.

[@stevewight1409]

Thank you so much...those leaf yrs were also my fav as a fan....although I didn't know him I loved the way he played. I could tell he was a gd man just from the way he played....rip peter..

[@steelbrigadekory]

My grandparents are also at Pine Hills

[@LordStanley94]

Thank You for the heartfelt video. Hockey is my True Love ❤️. Hockeyfan through and through. As much as you live the Leafs, I love the NYR. Best to you.

[@3b1d5c]

Pelle Lindbergh was my favorite Flyer, but Zezel was always a favorite too. Miss that whole era of Flyers hockey. Still have an autographed card of Zezel.

[@relicman]

Great video Scott! I like your hair like that. You look better with the sides grown in IMO.

[@BrianSmith-er5ll]

Right on brother Thanx..love Peter Zezel ..and I have Meany family laid to rest at pine Hills including my grandparents . On day I'll go and visit P.Z👍

[@bucklebunny6661]

Thank You Scott for bringing us this Great Vlog much appreciated.

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Thank you for watching Bunny!

[@bucklebunny6661]

SCOTT ON TAPE You got it 👍🏻 I’m seeing things with you that I’ll prolly never get to see . Thank You so much !

[@casketbrain7697]

Unfortunately Leafs lost that series to Vancouver the he later played for Vancouver Rip