Former NHL defender Tomas Kludek has died after a skiing accident in the Czech Republic.
Kludek was 45.
Klokek’s wife, Barbara Kluckova confirmed her husband’s death on Instagram Monday.
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New York Rangers Defense Defenders Tomas Kludek (22) in action against St. Louis Blues Right Wing Scott Young (48) in Madison Square Garden. (Lou Capozzola-usa Today Network)
“Yesterday, after a serious accident, my husband, my universe, my love, father of our children and your friend Tomas Kludek forever,” wrote Kluckova. “All of you who were around him deserve to know.
The NHL Alumni Association also released a statement of tragic death.
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“A defender, New York Rangers, chose Tomas with the 131st election in 1998 NHL Entry Draft after three seasons with his hometown HC Slavia Praha from the Czech Republic U20.
“We send our deepest compassion to Tomas’ friends, family and former teammates in this incredibly difficult time.”
Plays Tomas Kludek from Nashville Predators. (Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
As mentioned, Rangers Klokek drafted in 1998, and he eventually broke into the league at the age of 20 in 43 games during the 2000-01 season. He scored a goal and released four assists that season.
Rangers held a moment of silence for Kloudek before going to Calgary Flames at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.
Kludek played 95 games from 2000-02 with rangers before being treated for the Nashville predators before the 2002-03 campaign. But he played only three games that season due to a knee injury.
Klokek ended up starting the 2003-04 season with the predators before being treated again, this time to the then Atlanta Thrashers.
Through five NHL seasons (141 games), Kloudek accounted for two goals and eight assists at 10 points. He later returned to his original Czechi after the 2006-07 season, where he continued to play with Slavia Praha, HC Zlin, Bili Tygri Liberec and Ocelari Trinec.
Atlantas Tomas Kludek (5) is shown in a game against Washington on Saturday, March 20, 2004. (George Bridges/MCT/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Kludek completed his career in France’s Ligue Magnus during the 2016-17 campaign.
