Former NHL defender Tomas Kloucek, died following a skiing accident in Chechy.
Kloucek was 45 years old.
Kloucek’s wife Barbara Klouckova confirmed her husband’s death on Monday on Instagram.
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The defenders of the New York Tomas Kloucek Rangers (22) in action against the right of St. Louis Blues Scott Young (48) at Madison Square Garden. (Lou Capozzola-USA Network Today)
“Yesterday, after a serious accident, my husband, my universe, my love, dad of our children and your friend Tomas Kloucek abandoned us forever,” wrote Klouckova. “You all who were around him deserve to know. Please respect our intimacy and our grief with whom we are struggling with the moment.”
The NHL Ancient Association also published a declaration on tragic death.
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“A defender, the New York Rangers selected Tomas with the 131st choice at the NHL entrance draft in 1998 after three seasons with his homet city HC Slavia Praha of the Czechia U20.
“We send our deepest condolences to friends, family and former Tomas teammates during this incredibly difficult period.”
Tomas Kloucek player of Nashville predators. (Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios / Getty Images)
As mentioned, the Rangers wrote Kloucek in 1998, and he finally burst into the League at the age of 20 for 43 games during the 2000-01 season. He scored a goal and collected four assists this season.
The Rangers had a moment of silence for Kloucek before taking the flames of Calgary at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday evening.
Kloucek played 95 games from 2000 to 2002 with the Rangers before being treated to Nashville predators before the 2002-2003 campaign. But he only played three games this season due to a knee injury.
Kloucek ended up starting the 2003-2004 season with the predators before being treated again, this time at the Atlanta Thrashers.
During five NHL seasons (141 games), Kloucek totaled two goals and eight assists for 10 points. He would later return to his native chest after the 2006-07 season, where he continued to play with Slavia Praha, HC Zlin, Bili Tygri Liberec and Ocelari Trinec.
Tomas Kloucek (5) from Atlanta is presented in a match against Washington on Saturday March 20, 2004. (George Bridges / MCT / Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Kloucek would end his career in the France Magnus League during the 2016-2017 campaign.
