Tomas Kloucek, ex-Rangers defenseman, dead at 45…
Tomáš Klouček, who spent 5 years within the NHL and two with the Rangers, died on Sunday after a snowboarding accident in his native Czechia.
He was 45.
Barbara Klouckova, Klouček’s spouse, confirmed the information on her Instagram account, saying in a story: “In less than five minutes, my life turned upside down and everything was different.”
Klouček, born in Prague, was drafted by the Rangers as a 19-year-old within the fifth spherical of the 1998 NHL Draft after three robust years with HC Slavia Praha Jr.
Defenseman Tomas Kloucek performed two seasons within the NHL with the Rangers. Getty Images
After coming to (*45*) America and spending a yr every within the QMJHL and the AHL, he made his NHL debut with the Rangers during the 2000-01 season, taking part in 43 video games, recording 5 factors (one objective, 4 assists) and averaging a tick over 16 minutes of ice time per sport.
Klouček’s promising rookie season led to Atlanta when he tore each the ACL and MCL in his left knee.
The 6-foot-3, 235-pound defenseman suited up in 52 more video games the next season after coming back from surgical procedure and added a objective and three more assists.
Atlanta Thrashers middle Steve Guolla, left, and New York Rangers defenseman Tomas Kloucek battle for possession of the puck during the primary period of play in Atlanta on Sunday, April 1, 2001. AP
“He was a great kid. Great attitude. Gentle soul,” Mark Messier instructed The Post’s Larry Brooks over textual content following the defenseman’s death. “Horrible news.”
In December 2002, after spending the primary half of the yr with AHL Hartford, the Rangers despatched Kloucek to the Predators as half of a bundle to amass goaltender Mike Dunham.
He performed three more seasons and spent time with each the Predators and Thrashers.
Tomas Kloucek celebrates with Mark Messier. New York Post
Klouček ended his NHL profession with 141 video games performed, two objectives and eight assists.
He later spent time taking part in within the KHL, France and Czechia.
“I also thank you very much for the huge outpouring of support, I appreciate it very much,” Klouckova mentioned. “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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