Heartbreaking: Former NHLer Passes Away at the Age of 45

We already reported the tragic passing of Fyodor Malykhin of Fyodor Malykhin, a former KHL player who passed away recently; adding to the list of unfortunate deaths that has shook hockey, it's sadly a list that will keep growing as each year passes.

Sadly, we can add one more name onto the list as former defenseman Tomas Kloucek has died at the age of 45.

The NHL Alumni Association posted a tribute to the former player on X.

There was an outpouring of support and tributes to Kloucek from former teams, organizations, and the hockey world in general.

According to hokej.cz courtesy of The Daily Faceoff, the death was confirmed by Kloucek's wife on social media.

Tragically, we understand the circumstances surrounding his passing. Per reports, Kloucek skied into a power pole on the edge of the slope at Špindlerův Mlýn, a ski resort bordering Czechia and Poland and passed away on the spot due to his injuries.

His former club Oceláři Třinec also paid tribute on social media; Kloucek played with the team from 2012-2013. The post reads:

He was drafted 131st overall by the New York Rangers in 1998, and after playing in Cape Breton, became the first player from the team to play in the NHL. He played sparingly with the Rangers for three seasons before being traded to Nashville then finished with the Atlanta Thrashers.

In 141 NHL games, Kloucek scored two goals and eight assists for 10 points.

He also played 258 games in the AHL, playing for Hartford, Milwaukee, Chicago , and Syracuse, notching seven goals and 39 points, including six points in 33 Calder Cup Playoff appearances.

Kloucek then decided to continue his career in Europe, where his last registered season according to Elite Prospects was in 2016-17 in France.

We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Tomas Kloucek during this difficult time.