If you read Howard Berger's post, you know about Peter Zezel, who died this afternoon.
I was in my 30s when I first met Zezel.
I remember he was doing a Flyers' appearance in a hockey rink in Jenkintown. I was covering both the Eagles and Flyers at the time.
We were close in age and I remember all these women showing up to see him at the rink. Lots of women. Zezel was part of the "young turks" emerging on the Flyers who included Derrick Smith, Scott Mellanby and Rick Tocchet. These guys had their own, younger, hip following.
I met Frankie Avalon on Bandstand as a kid in the old WFIL studios. (I was the kid in the stands just like on "American Dreams." )
I noticed guys who were babe magnets in music. Just like Sinatra. Guys who were hip.
Zezel was hip.
In hockey, not music.
He was also a terrific set-up guy and he put up some decent numbers. Very good numbers, a few years.
Rick Tocchet said to me today in my story on CSNPhilly.com, Zezel was "living matinee idol."
Just like Frankie Avalon ... on skates.
Peter Zezel was also a genuine, nice guy who was active in the community as a player and later as an ex-player.
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Flyers chairman Ed Snider said:
"I'm personally very, very sad today with the news of Peter's passing. I spoke to him last week when I first learned he was having problems. He was hopeful, as was I and all of those who loved him. Peter was a good friend of mine and this is a real tragedy. He was a wonderful young man and a great member of the Flyers organization. We are all saddened by his passing and we want to send our condolences to his loved ones."
The NHLPA released the following from his family:
“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.”
Glenn Healy, NHLPA Director of Player Affairs, issued the following statement on behalf of the NHLPA:
“The hockey community has suffered a great loss today. Peter was a friend and a great family man who was well liked by everyone he crossed paths with in our game. Our thoughts are with Peter’s family and many friends during this difficult time.”
The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made in Peter Zezel’s name to the James Birrell Fund at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Cheques are payable to "The James Fund" and can be mailed to:
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I wrote a story a few hours ago on CSNPhilly.com on Peter:
Click Here 
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