Former Maple Leafs player Jason Spezza 'heartbroken' over younger brother's death
A former player with the Toronto Maple Leafs has spoken out following the death of his younger brother.
In a statement issued Monday, Jason Spezza, 40, said that his younger brother, Matthew Spezza, 37, suffered a fatal overdose over the weekend.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
“On behalf of my family, it is with the heaviest of hearts that I share that my younger brother, Matthew, passed away due to an accidental overdose over the weekend,” the former NHL centre said in the statement, shared by the Pittsburgh Penguins where he is now the assistant general manager.
“My family and I are heartbroken and ask for privacy during this difficult time,” it reads.
Matthew, a resident of Mississauga, was a hockey player himself, goaltending in both the OHL and IHL in the 2000s. His last season was with the Flint Generals in 2008/2009.
What appears to be Matthew’s Instagram account features several photographs of him and Jason. One shows the two on an NHL -sponsored 'mentor' trip to New York City, according to the caption.
Another features Jason holding a trophy during the 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, with the caption, "Proud of you, bro."
Before joining the Penguins as the assistant general manager, Jason held a position in the Maple Leafs' front office. At that time, he had spent 19 years in the NHL, predominantly as a centreman, with Ottawa, Dallas, and Toronto.
Ottawa Senators' Jason Spezza wears eye black during practice for the Heritage Classic NHL hockey game at B.C. Place stadium in Vancouver, B.C., on Saturday, March 1, 2014. (The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Harrods 'utterly appalled' by allegations that former owner Mohamed Al Fayed raped staff
The high-end London department store, Harrods, said Thursday that it is 'utterly appalled' by allegations of abuse – including rape – perpetrated by its former owner, the late billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed.
PM Justin Trudeau to adjust cabinet roles today, as Pablo Rodriguez quits
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be making adjustments to his cabinet today, CTV News has confirmed. The small shuffle is the result of longtime cabinet minister Pablo Rodriguez quitting.
BREAKING François Legault wants the Trudeau government to fall
Quebec Premier François Legault is calling on the Bloc Québécois to topple the Trudeau government next Wednesday and trigger a federal election.
Hezbollah leader vows retaliation against Israel for attacks on devices as both sides trade strikes
The Israeli defence minister said Thursday that Hezbollah would 'pay an increasing price' as Israel seeks to make conditions near its border with Lebanon safe enough for residents to return to their homes.
Canadian among dozens arrested in Ghost app global cybercrime crackdown
A Canadian suspect was among dozens arrested around the world in a global crackdown on the encrypted communication platform, called Ghost, according to the RCMP.
Quebec woman charged with first-degree murder in death of five-year-old boy
A 29-year-old Quebec woman is facing a first-degree murder charge in the death of a five-year-old boy southwest of Montreal.
Huge python grabs Thai woman in her kitchen, squeezes her two hours before she can be freed
A 64-year-old woman was preparing to do her evening dishes at her home outside Bangkok when she felt a sharp pain in her thigh and looked down to see a huge python taking hold of her.
CTV News in Italy Stolen Winston Churchill 'Roaring Lion' portrait returned after ceremony in Italy
A special ceremony at the Canadian Embassy in Rome marked the successful recovery of an iconic portrait of Winston Churchill after a two-year search by Ottawa police.
Robbers crash through ceiling in brazen US$150K cash heist
Two suspects broke into a cheque-cashing business in Atlanta through the ceiling and forced an employee to open the safe, where they stole US$150K.