Former NHLer Peter Zezel passed away at the age of 44 after a long battle with the rare and serious blood disease called hemolytic anemia.  He had undergone chemotherapy and suffered a brain hemorrhage after a recent spleen operation, and was eventually taken off life support yesterday after going into a coma a week ago.

Peter had a very successful career in the NHL, scoring a total of 219 goals and 608 points in 873 career games.  He was a great personality to be around and a great friend to many.  He retired after the 1998-99 season to be with his seriously ill niece.  Rick Tocchet had the following to say about his former mate:

“What a lot of people don’t know is that Peter never said ‘no’ to someone wanting his autograph or anything someone wanted.  Can you go to a school or a hospital?’ He’d do it. He was pretty special when it came to that.” [NHL.com]

The other tragic moment yesterday occurred when word was received of the passing of Exodus Tyson, daughter of former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.  After an accident at home that left her in seriously critical condition, Exodus passed away at the very young age of four.  The accident happened at her home in Phoenix after she reportedly got her neck tangled in a treadmill chord.  The Tyson family released the following statement:

“There are no words to describe the tragic loss of our beloved Exodus.  We ask you now to please respect our need at this very difficult time for privacy to grieve and try to help each other heal.” [TSN.ca]

With all the violence, rough play and bad bolld that exists in sports, the value of the lives of these individuals is often forgoten.  It is only after such incidents that we are reminded of the fragility of life.  It is only sad that someone must lose theirs in order for us to realize the value of our own and the others around us.

May you rest in peace Peter and Exodus.  From the TPS family.