Former Avs Winger Marek Svatos Dies At 34

DENVER (AP/CBS4) - Former Colorado Avalanche forward Marek Svatos died Saturday in Lone Tree, Colo. He was 34.

The cause of death was not immediately known on Sunday afternoon. Svatos is survived by his wife, Diana, and two young children.

Selected by Colorado in the 2001 NHL draft, Svatos scored a career-high 32 goals in 61 games during the 2005-06 season. Svatos collected 100 goals, 72 assists and 217 penalty minutes in 344 career games with the Avalanche, Nashville Predators and Ottawa Senators.

"The entire Avalanche organization is extremely saddened by this news," Colorado general manager Joe Sakic said Sunday 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 represented the Slovakia national team in the 2006 Turin Olympics and followed his NHL career by playing professionally in the Kontinental Hockey League.

Statement From Colorado Avalanche Executive Vice President/General Manager Joe Sakic

"The entire Avalanche organization is extremely saddened by this news. 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."