Professional Hockey Player. For five seasons (1951 to 1954 and 1967 to 1969), he played at the defense position in the National Hockey League with the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks and Philadelphia Flyers. He earned his nickname "The Rock" from his tough, physical playing style. He began his lengthy association with hockey with the Barrie Flyers of the Ontario Hockey League in 1947. He was promoted to the NHL during the 1951-1952 season and experienced a Stanley Cup title with Detroit during that season. In 1964, he was a contributor to the Cleveland Barons' Calder Cup title. Zeidel had thought his NHL career was a distant memory until he was added to the Philadelphia Flyers' roster in 1967. At the age of thirty-nine, he had the distinction of being a part of Philadelphia's inaugural season and was a contributor to the Flyers' first playoff berth clinching. On March 7, 1968, Zeidel was involved in a bloody altercation with the Bruins' Eddie Shack. Zeidel, who was Jewish alleged he was provoked by anti-Semitic remarks made by Boston players. The incident gained national attention in the United States and brought to light the element of brutality in the league. Zeidel compiled 158 regular season game during his career. Following his hockey career, he worked as a marketing consultant. He remained close to the Flyers' organization during his post-playing years. He died of complications from heart and kidney failure in addition to dementia.
Professional Hockey Player. For five seasons (1951 to 1954 and 1967 to 1969), he played at the defense position in the National Hockey League with the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks and Philadelphia Flyers. He earned his nickname "The Rock" from his tough, physical playing style. He began his lengthy association with hockey with the Barrie Flyers of the Ontario Hockey League in 1947. He was promoted to the NHL during the 1951-1952 season and experienced a Stanley Cup title with Detroit during that season. In 1964, he was a contributor to the Cleveland Barons' Calder Cup title. Zeidel had thought his NHL career was a distant memory until he was added to the Philadelphia Flyers' roster in 1967. At the age of thirty-nine, he had the distinction of being a part of Philadelphia's inaugural season and was a contributor to the Flyers' first playoff berth clinching. On March 7, 1968, Zeidel was involved in a bloody altercation with the Bruins' Eddie Shack. Zeidel, who was Jewish alleged he was provoked by anti-Semitic remarks made by Boston players. The incident gained national attention in the United States and brought to light the element of brutality in the league. Zeidel compiled 158 regular season game during his career. Following his hockey career, he worked as a marketing consultant. He remained close to the Flyers' organization during his post-playing years. He died of complications from heart and kidney failure in addition to dementia.
Bio by: C.S.
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