Hockey notebook: Ex-NHLer Svatos dead at 34

Marek Svatos, the Slovak forward who scored 100 goals in seven NHL seasons, died Saturday at age 34 in Lone Tree, Colo. The cause of death wasn’t immediately known. Svatos was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2001 and last played in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators in 2011. Tributes poured in on social media from former teammates including Darcy Tucker and Matt Duchene. “The entire Avalanche organization is extremely saddened by this news,” said Avs GM Joe Sakic, who played with Svatos. “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 went on to play in Russia’s KHL and in Slovakia with his hometown team, HC Kosice.

MARLIES: Kasperi Kapanen scored twice, including the game winner, as the visiting Toronto Marlies edged the St. John’s IceCaps 3-2 in American Hockey League action. Brendan Leipsic added a goal for the Marlies (7-2-1), while Garret Sparks made 28 saves for the win. The Marlies are on their annual extended road trip with the Royal Winter Fair taking over Ricoh Coliseum.

HURTING: The Islanders will be without top-four defenceman Travis Hamonic for up to six weeks with an upper-body injury. Hamonic was hurt while blocking a shot against the Oilers on Saturday. In 12 games, Hamonic has two goals and five points, and is averaging 19:46 of ice time. MILESTONE: Avalanche forward Jarome Iginla skated in his 1,485th NHL game on Sunday against the Blues, 19th on the career list and three behind Wayne Gretzky in 18th.