Former NHL defenseman Tomas Kloucek died after a ski accident in Czechia.
Kloucek is 45 years old.
Klochek’s wife Barbara Klouckova confirmed her husband’s death On Instagram on Monday.
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New York Rangers defensive player Tomas Kloucek (22) plays St. Louis Bruce right-wing Scott Young (48) in Madison Square Garden. (Lou Capozzola-Usa Network Today)
“Yesterday, after a serious accident, my husband, my universe, my love, the father of our children and your friend Tomas Kloucek abandoned us forever,” Klouckova wrote. “Everyone around you should know. Please respect our privacy and sorrow that we are working on right now.”
The NHL Alumni Association also issued a statement on a tragic death.
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“Defender, New York Rangers Tomas were selected in the 1998 NHL admission draft with HC Slavia Praha of his hometown of HC Slavia Praha for three seasons.
“In this incredibly difficult time, we extend our deepest condolences to Thomas’ friends, family and former teammates.”
Nashville Predators player Tomas Kloucek. (Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
As mentioned, the Rangers drafted Chloeck in 1998, and he eventually broke into the 20-year-old league in the 2000-01 season. He scored a goal and assisted four that season.
Rangers remain silent for Kloucek before greeting Calgary flames Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.
Kloucek played 95 games with the Rangers from 2000-02 before being traded by Nashville Predators before 2002-03. But he only played three games that season due to a knee injury.
Kloucek eventually started the 2003-04 season with the Predators before being sent again to the then-Atlanta Thrashers.
Kloucek has a total of two goals and eight assists in five NHL seasons (141 games), with 10 points. He will later return to his homeland Match after the 2006-07 season, where he continues to play with Slavia Praha, HC Zlin, Bili Tygri Liberec and Ocelari Trinec.
Atlanta’s Tomas Kloucek (5) showed in a Saturday, March 20, 2004 game against Washington. (George Bridges/MCT/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
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During the 2016-17 campaign, Kloucek will complete his career at Ligue Magnus, France.
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