The hockey world awoke to news of the death of former NHL winger Marek Svatos on Sunday.
Related: Marek Svatos dead at 34
Tributes quickly began pouring in from former teams and teammates who were both stunned and saddened over the death of the 34-year-old native of Slovakia.
Svatos is survived by his wife and two children.
We're sad to learn about passing of former Slovak national team, @Avalanche player Marek Svatos. More later on https://t.co/ldDBa42X8a pic.twitter.com/AR02xcYy0K
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) November 6, 2016
The ICE are saddened by the passing of 2002 Memorial Cup Champion Marek Svatos.
— Kootenay ICE (@WHLKootenayICE) November 6, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
The Hershey Bears family is saddened to hear about the passing of former Bear, Marek Svatos. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family #RIP pic.twitter.com/D9kED6L8Wn
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) November 6, 2016
Colorado Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic, with whom Svatos played for parts of four seasons, added the following in a statement:
Marek was a tremendous person, a talented hockey player, and a great teammate. Our thoughts, prayers and our deepest sympathy to his wife, children, and his entire family.
Svatos clearly made an impact on the lives of current and former Avalanche players.
Very sad to hear about the passing of Marek Svatos. He was a great guy and tremendous player - he will be missed by many.
— Craig Anderson (@CraigAnderson41) November 6, 2016
Very saddened to hear of the passing of former @Avalanche teammate, Marek Svatos. He was a great person and player.
— Matt Duchene (@Matt9Duchene) November 6, 2016
I'm absolutely devastated to learn of the passing of Marek Svatos our thoughts and prayers to his family. Rest in peace
— Darcy Tucker (@16DarcyTucker) November 6, 2016
Rest In Peace Marek Svatos
— chris stewart (@Cstew_80) November 6, 2016
Rest In Peace Marek Svatos 😞
— TJ Galiardi (@TJGaliardi) November 6, 2016
Svatos appeared in 321 regular-season games with the Avalanche, Nashville Predators, and Ottawa Senators, scoring 100 goals and adding 72 assists.
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