Svatos, a former Avalanche forward, dies at 34

Marek Svatos, a seven-year NHL veteran, died Saturday at the age of 34, the International Ice Hockey Federation announced.

The Colorado Avalanche, with whom Svatos played for six seasons, also released a statement.

“The entire Avalanche organization is extremely saddened by this news," general manager Joe Sakic, a former teammate of Svatos', said. "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.”

The Slovakian-born Svatos died in Lone Tree, Colo., which is about 21 miles away from Denver, The Denver Post reported. A cause of death has not been released. 

Svatos, who scored 32 goals in 2005-06 with the Avalanche, had 100 goals and 172 points in 344 NHL games.

Svatos, a seventh-round pick of the Avalanche in 2001, also played with the Nashville Predators and Ottawa Senators in 2010-11, his last season in the league.