Former Maple Leafs player and executive Jason Spezza reveals tragic news on the death of his younger brother Matthew.
Matthew Spezza, who spent two seasons in Major Junior, died at the age of 37.
Matthew Spezza, the younger brother of former Toronto Maple Leafs player and executive Jason, has died.
Jason, who is now an associate general manager with the Pittsburgh Penguins, shared the news of his brother’s death on the team’s social media accounts on Monday.
“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 message read. “My family and I are heartbroken and ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
Matthew Spezza played two seasons in Major Junior goaltending with the Kingston Frontenacs, Ottawa 67s, London Knights, St. John Fog Devils, and Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He made headlines in 2009 when he pulled over to assist a woman who had been locked in a car by a man who groped and choked her. His actions avoided a disastrous outcome.
Jason played three seasons for the Maple Leafs before retiring in 2022 and becoming an assistant to then-Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas. When the Maple Leafs decided not to renew Dubas’ contract last summer, Jason joined him in Pittsburgh, where he was named assistant general manager.
We at The Hockey News send our heartfelt sympathies to the Spezza family during this difficult time.
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