Former NHL defender Thomas Kloucek died after a ski accident in Cemia.
Kloucek was 45 years old.
Kloucek’s wife, Barbara Klouck’s, confirmed her husband’s death On Instagram Monday.
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New York Rangers defender Tomas Kloucek, 22) in action against the right wing of St. Louis Blues Scott Young (48) in Madison Square Garden. (Lou Capozzol-Ussa today network)
“Yesterday, after a serious accident, my husband, my universe, my love, our children’s dad and your friend Tomas Kloucek left us forever,” Klouck’s wrote. “All of you who were around him deserve to know. Please respect our privacy and sadness we are currently fighting with.”
The NHL Alumni Association also announced a statement of tragic death.
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“Defender, New York Rangers Selected Thomas with the 131th choice of NHL’s 1998 design after three seasons with his hometown of HC Slavia powder from Czech U20.
“We send our deepest condolences to Tomas’ friends, family and former teammates during this incredibly difficult time.”
Player Tomas Kloucek from Nashville Predator. (Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
As mentioned, the Rangers drew Kloucek in 1998, and he eventually broke into the league at the age of 20 for 43 games during the 2000-01 season. He scored one goal and threw out four assists of that season.
Renjers held a moment of silence for Kloucek before taking over the Calgary flame in Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.
Kloucek played 95 games from 2000-02 with the Rangers before before the 2002-03 campaign. But he only played three games of that season due to a knee injury.
Kloucek ended with the start of the 2003-04 season with predators before dealing again, this time atlanta Threasherim.
Through five seasons NHL (141 games), Kloucek scored two goals and eight assists for 10 points. He would later return to his native Czech after the 2006-07 season, where he continued to play with Slavia powder, HC Zlin, were Tygri Liberec and Ocelari Trinec.
Atlanta Tomas Kloucek (5) was shown in a match against Washington on Saturday, March 20, 2004. (George Bridges/MCT/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
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Kloucek would end his career at the French Ligue Magnus during the 2016-17 campaign.
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