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Former NHL Defenseman Tragically Killed in Czechia Ski Accident

The devastating news of the death of former NHL player, Tomas Kloucek, has rattled the hockey community as friends and former teammates send condolences to his family.

Maria Aldrich

Unknown Date, 2001; New York, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Rangers defensemen Tomas Kloucek (22) in action against St. Louis Blues right wing Scott Young (48) at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK
Unknown Date, 2001; New York, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Rangers defensemen Tomas Kloucek (22) in action against St. Louis Blues right wing Scott Young (48) at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK / Lou Capozzola-Imagn Images

Veteran NHL Player Tragically Dies in Ski Accident

NHL veteran Tomas Kloucek enjoyed a long and celebrated career in hockey, having played for the New York Rangers, Nashville Predators and the Atlanta Thrashers. The 45-year-old retired player was drafted as a 19 year-old by the Rangers with the 131st overall pick in the fifth round in 1988. He played a total of 141 games in the NHL and scored two goals and racked up eight assists in his productive career. After exiting the NHL he played played in Czechia and France before retiring in 2017.

Tragically, the former player from Prague, Czechia was killed over the weekend after a devastating ski accident. His wife, Barbara Klouckova, expressed on social media that hearts are broken as his loved ones try to navigate the loss.

''Yesterday, after a grievous accident, my husband, my universe, my love, dad of our children and your friend Tomas Kloucek abandoned us forever,'' his wife wrote, as reported by Fox News. ''All of you who were around him deserve to know. Please respect our privacy due to the grief we are grappling with right now.''

While friends and family mourn, tributes have been flooding in from afar, one of which came from the NHL Alumni Association.
"The NHL Alumni Association is heartbroken to learn that Tomas Kloucek has passed away at the age of 45,'' they wrote. ''We send our deepest condolences to Tomas' friends, family, and former teammates during this incredibly difficult time''

Ahead of Tuesday night's game between the Rangers and the Calgary Flames, a moment of silence was held in honor of Kloucek. After this devastating loss, the warmth from fans and loved ones overwhelmed the ice during the tribute, which dramatically moved all in attendance. The incident took place in Spindleruv Mlyn, Czechia, but definitive details have yet to be released to the public.

Hi wife, Barbara Klouckova, expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support following the sad tragedy. “I also thank you very much for the huge outpouring of support, I appreciate it very much,” Klouckova said. “It is terribly difficult and indescribable… but it is amazing to see how many people [Klouček] had around him who loved him.”

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Maria Aldrich
MARIA ALDRICH

Maria Aldrich graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Wilderness Education. While earning her degrees, she learned the fundamentals of climbing, wilderness travel, and leadership in the backcountry. These skills built upon Maria's lifelong passion for the outdoors. Following graduation, she began working in the outdoor recreation field, serving individuals with disabilities to help them access outdoor pursuits including hiking, paddling, horseback riding, and snowshoeing. The following year, Maria moved to the Adirondack Mountains in New York State to continue working towards a life of adventure and writing. She has continued rock and ice climbing, hiking in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, and paddling through various rivers while documenting her experiences through writing. When Maria isn’t adventuring in the mountains, she can be found reading a book, fishing on a shoreline, or spending time with family.

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