Former NHL forward Peter Zezel dead at 44

Former pro hockey player Peter Zezel died on Tuesday from a blood disorder that had ailed him for years. He was taken off of life support at a Toronto hospital.

In 2001, Zezel nearly died from the rare disorder known as hemolytic anemia. Although he recovered, the condition worsened recently and it ultimately led to his death.

Zezel's family issued a statement through the NHL Players Association:

"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."

Zezel enjoyed a 15-year career in the NHL with seven different teams. The Philadelphia Flyers drafted Zezel 41st overall in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft and he played in parts of five seasons with Philly