Former NHLer dies in 'grievous' skiing accident at 45 years old
Retired defenceman Tomas Kloucek's wife confirmed the news on her Instagram account
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Former NHLer Tomas Kloucek died earlier this week after a skiing accident in his home country of Czechia at the age 45.
The defenceman’s wife, Barbara Klouckova, confirmed the news on her Instagram account on Monday with a post on her Stories.
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“Yesterday, after a grievous accident, my husband, my universe, my love, dad of our children and your friend Tomas Kloucek abandoned us forever,” she wrote, per NHL.com.
“In less than five minutes, my life turned upside down and everything was different.
“All of you who were around him deserve to know. Please respect our privacy and grief we are grappling with right now.”
The accident reportedly occurred in Spindleruv Mlyn, a ski resort town near Czechia’s border with Poland.
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Kloucek, who was born in Prague, was a fifth-round pick of the New York Rangers in 1998 draft, after having played three seasons with HC Slavia Praha Jr.
He made his NHL debut during the 2000-01 season after having spent a year each in the QMJHL and AHL as part of his development.
He would play 43 games for the Rangers that season, recording one goal and four assists while averaging just over 16 minutes of ice time per game.
However, his rookie season came to an abrupt end after he suffered a major injury during a game against Atlanta, tearing both his ACL and MCL in his left knee.
”It’s disappointing for us,” Rangers great Brian Leetch said of Kloucek in 2001. ”I can’t remember another defenceman that has come up with his size, that plays with the same edge, and that can move the puck like he does.”
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The 6-foot-3, 235-pound Czech came back the following season, suited up in 52 more games and pitched in with a goal and three more assists.
Former teammate Mark Messier offered kind words about the defenceman when reached for comment by the New York Post.
“He was a great kid. Great attitude. Gentle soul,” Messier told the outlet. “Horrible news.”
During his third season with the Rangers organization, he was traded to the Nashville Predators as part a package to acquire goaltender Mike Dunham.
He played just eight total NHL games for the Preds before been traded to the Atlanta Thrashers the following season.
Kloucek ended his NHL career with 141 games played, two goals and eight assists.
After being released by the Thrashers, he continued his career playing in Europe, suiting up for teams in the KHL, Czechia, Slovakia and Austria. He ended his career in France in 2017.
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